The Language of Flowers: January Birth Flowers

Within the past year, I discovered a captivating series on Amazon Prime called The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. While I didn’t know much about the storyline initially, I was drawn to it because Sigourney Weaver starred in the show, and I’ve always enjoyed her acting.

Set in the breathtaking 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 dive 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.

a variety of beautiful flowers in pinks, reds, yellows, purples, and whites

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.

red roses in a bouquet with white lilies

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.

The thoughtful arrangement of flowers transforms a simple gift into a meaningful message, making Floriography an art form as well as a language.

This timeless practice invites us to explore the deeper significance behind the blooms we give and receive.

This month we will look at January’s birth flowers, offering inspiration for how to grow them in our 10A zone.

January Birth Flowers

The traditional January birth flowers are the carnation and snowdrop.

Carnation

Carnations are beloved perennials, widely grown for their vibrant flowers and use in cut arrangements. Whether as corsages, boutonnieres, or bouquets, carnations hold a special place in celebrations.

They belong to the dianthus family and are often called “pinks” due to their natural shades of pink, white, coral, and red.

White carnations are frequently dyed festive colors, like green for St. Patrick’s Day or pastels for Easter.

With their ruffled petals and spicy, clove-like fragrance, carnations are perfect for flower arrangements and gardens alike.

Be cautious, though; they’re mildly toxic to pets.

Plant Profile

Common Names: Carnation, pinks
Botanical Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Type: Perennial
Size: 6-24 inches tall, 10-14 inches wide
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, alkaline
Bloom Time: Spring
Colors: White, pink, red
USDA Zones: 7-10
Origin: Mediterranean Europe
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to animals

Meaning and Symbolism

Carnations are often associated with various meanings, depending on their color. Here’s a breakdown of what carnations typically symbolize:

Red Carnations symbolize love, admiration, and deep affection. They are often given on special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.

Pink Carnations are a symbol of gratitude, appreciation, and a mother’s love. They are commonly given to express thanks or to honor a mother.

White Carnations stand for purity, innocence, and remembrance. They are often used in sympathy arrangements or at memorial services to convey respect and remembrance.

Yellow Carnations convey disappointment, rejection, or a broken heart. While not as commonly given as other colors, they can represent feelings of sorrow or longing.

Purple Carnations represent capriciousness or unpredictability. They can also embody whimsy or a playful spirit.

Striped Carnations express regret or refusal. They often communicate a sense of “no” or “sorry.”

In addition to the general symbolism, pink carnations have a special historical and religious connection that enhances their meaning.

According to legend, pink carnations are said to have sprung from the tears of the Virgin Mary as she wept while watching Jesus carry His cross. This poignant story adds a layer of deep emotional significance to the flower.

As a result, pink carnations are often seen as a symbol of a mother’s unyielding love.

The legend connects the flower to Mary’s sorrow and enduring love for her son, making it an especially fitting tribute for Mother’s Day or any occasion that celebrates maternal affection. This backstory gives pink carnations a timeless and powerful association with maternal devotion and sacrifice.

The pink carnation was designated in the early 1900s as the symbol for Mother’s Day. White carnations honor deceased mothers on Mother’s Day.

Growing in 10A Florida

In Zone 10A, you might need to treat carnations as short-lived annuals, enjoying their beauty for a season before the heat becomes too much for them.

Planting them in containers allows greater flexibility, as you can move the plants to a cooler, shaded spot when temperatures rise. Containers also make it easier to provide well-draining soil, which carnations require to thrive. Amending the potting mix with lime can help create the alkaline environment they prefer.

Timing is essential for success. Aim to plant carnations during the cooler months, from late fall to early winter, when Florida’s milder weather mimics their ideal growing conditions.

A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is best to protect the plants from the intense afternoon heat.

a ruffled white carnation with pink on the edges of each floweret.

During unexpected warm spells, you can use shade cloths or bring potted carnations to a cooler area to shield them from excessive temperatures.

Watering should be moderate—deep but infrequent. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, but take care not to wet the foliage, as Florida’s high humidity can lead to fungal issues.

Regular deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will encourage the plants to produce new blooms and extend their growing season.

For most gardeners in Zone 10A, treating carnations as temporary, seasonal highlights ensures you can enjoy their beauty without battling the challenges of the summer heat, is the way to go.

Snowdrop

Snowdrops (Galanthus) are delicate perennials that signal the arrival of spring, often pushing through the snow to bloom.

These charming flowers are beloved for their dainty white petals and their ability to brighten even the coldest, dreariest days.

a bouquet of beautiful white snowdrops in a clear glass mug

Their graceful, bell-shaped blooms nod gently on slender stems, making them a favorite in woodland gardens and naturalized settings.

Snowdrops thrive in cooler climates, and their early bloom time makes them a treasured sight in late winter or early spring gardens. While these flowers are beautiful, it’s essential to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested by humans or animals.