Within the past year, I discovered an engaging series on Amazon Prime called The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. I was drawn to it because Sigourney Weaver starred in the show, and I’ve always enjoyed her acting.
Set in the majestic landscapes of Australia, the series follows Alice Hart, a young girl who survives a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and loss. Orphaned after a devastating fire, Alice is taken in by her estranged grandmother, who owns a flower nursery that also serves as a sanctuary for women escaping domestic abuse, affectionately called “Flowers.”
One fascinating element of the series was its introduction to Floriography—the language and meanings of flowers. This inspired me to look deeper into the symbolic nature of blooms, and I realized how perfect it would be to explore the beauty and significance of monthly birth flowers.
Floriography
Floriography, often referred to as “the language of flowers,” has a rich history as a means of cryptic communication.
By assigning meanings to the colors, types, and arrangements of flowers, people have long used this symbolic language to express thoughts, emotions, and sentiments without speaking a single word.
In a bouquet, the combination of flowers and colors deepens the message, allowing for a highly personalized form of expression.
Each color in floriography conveys a unique sentiment:
- Pink symbolizes unconditional love, happiness, pure innocence, and femininity.
- Red stands for passion and a deep desire so intense it can feel as sharp as a rose’s thorn.
- White signifies purity, spirituality, perfection, and sympathy.
- Blue conveys peace, tranquillity, prosperity, friendship, and immortality.
- Violet represents grace, refinement, elegance, royalty, and beauty.
- Green symbolizes rebirth, renewal, good fortune, good health, and the promise of new beginnings.
- Yellow embodies joy, happiness, energy, pride, and friendship.
- Orange expresses enthusiasm, excitement, exuberance, and a bold passion for life.
However, floriography is not limited to colors. The number of flowers in a bouquet and the combination of different blooms also carry special meanings. For example:
- A single flower often represents a focused or heartfelt sentiment, such as love or gratitude.
- Two flowers intertwined can symbolize unity or an unbreakable bond.
- A dozen roses traditionally convey a declaration of love or appreciation, with each flower representing one of the 12 months in a year of devotion.
The mix of flowers in a bouquet adds layers of meaning.
Pairing red roses with white lilies might communicate the harmony of passion and purity, while combining yellow daisies with blue hydrangeas can symbolize joyful friendship and peaceful support.
Choosing and arranging flowers isn’t just about looks—it’s a way to share emotions, stories, and traditions without saying a word. Whether gifting a single bloom or a full bouquet, the meaning behind the flowers adds a special touch that makes them even more meaningful.
This month, we’ll explore March’s birth flowers—the daffodil and jonquil—looking into their meanings, with a few gardening tips as well as how to maintain a pot of blooms.
The Daffodil
The most widely recognized birth flower of March is the daffodil. In many areas of the country, the daffodil is a cheerful sign that spring has arrived.
These golden, trumpet-shaped blooms pop up everywhere—gardens, parks, roadsides, and even in the wild—bringing a splash of sunshine after winter’s chill. While yellow is the most common color, daffodils also come in shades of white, orange, and even pink, making them a lovely choice for bouquets or a unique birthday gift.
Where Do Daffodils Grow?
Daffodils grow in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. They prefer mild climates but require a period of cold dormancy to bloom. Their hardy nature makes them one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, and I remember more than one occasion looking at a daffodil in full bloom with snow on its leaves.
A Brief History
Daffodils have been cherished for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans cultivated them for their medicinal properties, believing they had healing powers.
By the 17th century, these flowers had become a favorite in European gardens.
Over time, daffodils have come to symbolize hope and renewal, appearing in poetry, art, and folklore across cultures.
Fun Facts About Daffodils (Narcissus)
- There are over 50 species and thousands of varieties of daffodils, with different colors, sizes, and shapes to suit any garden.
- A daffodil’s bloom lasts a long time—up to six weeks in a vase with proper care—making them a favorite for floral arrangements.
- In Wales, the daffodil is a national symbol, representing hope and St. David’s Day, celebrated on March 1st. St. David’s Day is a celebration of the patron saint of Wales, honoring his teachings, humility, and Welsh heritage with parades, traditional foods, and cultural festivities.
Meaning and Symbolism
Daffodils are also known as Narcissus, named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection. According to legend, he became so entranced by his image in a pool of water that he wasted away, and in his place, daffodils bloomed.
Despite this story, daffodils don’t symbolize self-obsession. Instead, they represent rebirth, new beginnings, inspiration, creativity, and even forgiveness. Their early spring arrival makes them a perfect symbol of fresh starts, reminding us that brighter days are ahead.
Growing Tips
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Daffodils are tough, reliable perennials that thrive in a range of climates. They grow best in USDA zones 3 to 8, though some varieties can tolerate zone 9 with extra care.
Planting & Care
- When to Plant: In cooler climates, plant daffodil bulbs in the fall, about 2-4 weeks before the ground freezes. In warmer regions, refrigerate bulbs for 6-8 weeks before planting.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Avoid waterlogged areas.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. They prefer at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water well after planting, then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, they are drought-tolerant.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring as leaves emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leaf growth over flowers.
- After Blooming: Allow foliage to die back naturally; don’t cut it until it turns yellow. This helps the bulb store energy for the next season.
- Pests & Problems: Generally deer- and rodent-resistant due to their toxic bulbs. Watch for fungal diseases in overly wet conditions.
The Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla)
Jonquils, a close relative of daffodils, are another beautiful birth flower for March.
These delicate, fragrant blooms bring a touch of elegance to spring with their soft yellow or white petals and deep green, reed-like leaves.
While all jonquils are daffodils, not all daffodils are jonquils—jonquils belong to a specific group within the Narcissus family, known for their clustered blooms and rich, sweet scent.
Where Do Jonquils Grow?
Jonquils thrive in mild climates, especially in the Mediterranean, the southeastern United States, and parts of Asia. Because of their strong scent and bright color, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to bring life back to gardens after winter.
A Brief History
Like daffodils, jonquils have been admired for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans grew them for both beauty and medicine, believing their bulbs had healing properties. By the 17th century, they became a staple in European gardens, prized for their fragrance and charm. Today, jonquils remain a favorite among gardeners, especially in warmer regions where they return year after year with little care.
Fun Facts About Jonquils
- Jonquils have a stronger fragrance than most daffodils, often described as rich and honey-like.
- Their name comes from the Spanish word jonquillo, which means “reed,” referring to their thin, reed-like leaves.
- In some cultures, giving a bouquet of jonquils symbolizes a desire for affection to be returned—making them a popular flower for romantic gestures.
Meaning and Symbolism
Jonquils carry many positive meanings, including friendship, happiness, and new beginnings. They also represent desire, sympathy, and appreciation, making them a thoughtful gift for someone you admire.
In the language of floriography, they symbolize desire, affection, and longing for love to be returned. Gifting jonquils was a way of subtly expressing romantic feelings and encouraging emotional openness.
Their sweet fragrance and cheerful appearance encourage us to welcome fresh starts, embrace connections, and celebrate the joy of spring.
Growing Tips
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Jonquils are more heat-tolerant than other daffodils, thriving in USDA zones 4 to 9. They do especially well in the southern U.S., where other daffodils might struggle with warm winters.
Planting & Care:
- When to Plant: Fall is the best time to plant jonquil bulbs, ideally 6-8 weeks before the first frost. In warmer zones (8-9), chilling the bulbs for 6 weeks before planting can improve blooms.
- Soil: Well-draining soil with good organic matter; slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).
- Sunlight: Full sun to light shade. Jonquils tolerate more shade than traditional daffodils but still bloom best with at least 5-6 hours of sunlight.
- Watering: Moderate watering. Keep soil moist but not soggy, especially in the growing season. Reduce watering after flowers fade.
- Fertilizing: Apply a low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer when leaves first emerge in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce blooms.
- After Blooming: Like daffodils, let the foliage die back naturally to strengthen the bulb for the next season.
- Pests & Problems: Resistant to deer and rodents. Can develop fungal issues in excessively wet soil.
Caring for Potted Daffodils and Jonquils
If you’ve received a pot of blooming daffodils or jonquils as a gift or purchased one for yourself, you can enjoy their cheerful blooms indoors or outdoors with proper care. Here’s how to keep them thriving:
Indoor Care
- Light: Place the pot in a bright location with indirect sunlight or near a sunny window that gets at least 6 hours of light per day. Too much direct heat can shorten bloom time.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. If your pot has a decorative foil cover, be sure to remove it before watering to allow excess water to drain properly. Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
- Temperature: Ideal indoor temperatures range between 50-65°F (10-18°C). Keep them away from heating vents or direct drafts, which can dry them out.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to direct energy into the bulbs rather than seed production. However, leave the foliage intact to allow the bulb to store energy.
- Fertilizing: If you plan to transplant them, feed lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks while they are blooming.
Final Thoughts
Whether in a garden, a bouquet, or a delicate cross-stitch design, March’s birth flowers—daffodils and jonquils—remind us of the beauty of renewal and the promise of spring.
Their bright colors and rich symbolism encourage us to embrace fresh starts, nurture connections, and find joy in the changing seasons.
Whether gifted, grown, or admired in the wild, these cheerful blooms carry a timeless message of hope, love, and new beginnings.
Bonus Content
Each post, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas.
You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
Thimble & Tansy participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your homemade journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie or two each month, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to learn more.
Affiliate Links
Book suggestions from Amazon:
- Cheralyn Darcey: Flowerpaedia: 1000 flowers and their meanings
- S. Theresa Dietz: The Complete Language of Flowers: A Definitive and Illustrated History
- Nicole Summers: Floriagraphy Birth Month Flowers
Freebies
- Birth Flowers Coloring Pages
- Birthday Flowers Coloring Pages
- Ellen Maurer-Stroch: Spring Daffodils to Stitch (cross stitch pattern)
Additional Resources
- Almanac: March Birth Flower: Daffodils!
- Floraly: Floriography: The Language & Meaning of Flowers
- Gardenia.net: March Birth Flower: What is my Birth Flower?