February is the shortest month of the year but one of the most romantic: it brings Valentine's Day, and by its end spring is in the air. February's birth flowers, the violet and the primrose, are modest yet deeply symbolic. Here's what they mean, what blooms in February and which bouquet to give someone born this month. Next month: March flowers.
The violet is February's main flower. It stands for loyalty, modesty and secret love, a perfect fit for a romantic month. Violets rarely appear in bouquets, but as a potted gift they bring joy for months. How to pair them with other flowers is covered in violets in bouquets.
The second flower is the primrose, one of the first to open after winter, meaning youth, hope and young love. Potted primroses are sold in February and March; see primrose care. Flowers for every other month are in our birth month flowers list.
What blooms in February
In late February, gardens may show the first squills, crocuses, snowdrops and hellebores, while windowsills bloom with potted primroses, hyacinths and crocuses. At the florist's, February is peak season for roses and tulips: ordered for Valentine's Day, with tulips already arriving for March 8. More on the earliest blooms in spring primroses.
A bouquet for February birthdays
February birthdays suit soft violet and lilac shades in honour of the violet, or the bright spring colours of the primrose. A lovely idea is a bouquet of roses together with a potted violet or primrose. If the birthday falls on Valentine's Day, see Valentine's Day flowers for romantic ideas.
Caring for potted violets and primroses
Both plants like bright light without direct sun and a cool spot. Water violets from below so the leaves stay dry, and primroses moderately without letting the soil dry out. After flowering, a primrose can be planted in the garden to bloom again next spring.
February birthday bouquets
Red roses, boxed arrangements and potted plants delivered across Kyiv.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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