Birthdays are always special, and so are birth flowers. January is the first month of the year, and with it comes the new energy, new beginnings, and new hope and positivity. And all these qualities can be seen in the January birth flowers too. If you are a January-born, or if you have close ones whose birthdays fall in this month. You need to know everything about Carnations and Snowdrops, the January birth flowers, and what they say about January-borns. Read below to know what is so special about these birth flowers!
January’s Primary Birth Flower: Carnations

Genus: Dianthus
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Colours available in: White, pink, red, purple, orange, yellow
Meaning and Symbolism of Carnations
Just like their fascinating beauty, the meanings and symbolism of carnations are rich and amazing, too. Carnation birth flowers are among the most beautiful pink flowers and are often associated with symbols of love, devotion, fascination, distinction, and admiration. However, the different colours of carnations are known to symbolise different feelings and sentiments. For instance,
- Red Carnations: Symbolise passion, love, and deep admiration,
- White Carnations: Symbolise innocence, good luck, purity in love, remembrance,
- Pink Carnations: Symbolise gratitude, affection, mother’s love
- Orange Carnations: Symbolise desire
- Yellow Carnations: Symbolise rejection and disappointment.
As these beautiful flowers for January are known to signify deep love and commitment, they are among the most common choices for couples to order for wedding flowers. These are also widely used as gifts on Mother’s Day and Teacher’s Day to show respect & admiration.
The Amazing History of Carnations

Carnations’ scientific name is Dianthus, which, when translated, means “divine flowers” or “flowers of God.” The mention of these beautiful flowers dates back to Greek and Roman times. It is believed that they used these flowers in garlands and celebrations.
In Christianity, these flowers are associated with the Virgin Mary, as it is believed they originated from her tears when she cried for Jesus.
These January flowers have historically been used for medicine, essential oils, aromatherapy, and perfumes. In art and literature as well, their presence is innate, with their reference seen in William Shakespeare’s “A Winter’s Tale.” Red carnations are also worn to celebrate final exams. These flowers are also the National flowers of Spain, Monaco, and Slovenia.
How to Take Care of Carnations?
- These perennials require full sun to partial shade. Don’t expose them to excessive heat, as it may fade their colours; just proper morning sunlight is enough for them.
- Carnations thrive best in well-draining, alkaline soil.
- These flowers do not require frequent watering. But make sure to water during their blooming season, and during excessively hot seasons.
- Carnation plants do not require excessive fertilisation; just a slow-release fertiliser during the growing phase is enough.
What Do Carnations Say About January-Borns?
Carnations, as January’s birth flowers, give a true insight into the nature and character of January-born people. Just like the unique and majestic appearance of carnations, the January-born also has a very distinctive personality that stands out even in a crowd. Carnations are also the zodiac birth flowers of Sagittarius people.
Although they are the birth flowers of the coldest month, the personality of these January-borns is filled with warmth. They are among the strongest-willed, most ambitious, and most devoted people who will never leave your side. So if you have a friend who was born in January, you must buy them happy-birthday flowers on their special day.
January’s Secondary Birth Flowers: Snowdrop

Genus: Galanthus
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Colours available in: White
Meaning and Symbolism of Snowdrops
Snowdrop flowers hold deep and rich meanings and are known to symbolise innocence, optimism, and celebration during happy times. And during the tough times, they portray symbolic meanings of hope, sympathy, rebirth, fresh starts, and compassion.
These beautiful snowdrop birth flowers are among the most popular types of white flowers and are a true symbol of resilience and strength, as they survive harsh winter snow in hopes of a beautiful spring. Thus, reminding us to stay positive in the face of adversity. These January flowers are also a symbol of protection against evil and good luck, making them a great purchase for a special social occasion.
The Amazing History of Snowdrops

The reference to snowdrops can be traced back to Greco-Roman times. Its Greek name, Galanthus, translates to “milk flower”. In Europe, it was brought for its medicinal use. However, it is essential to note that these flowers are toxic and should be used only externally.
The relevance and mention of snowdrop flowers can also be seen in literature, with an account by Alfred Lord Tennyson in his poem Snowdrops, in which he describes their strong and resilient nature. There is also a superstition that these flowers should not be taken indoors, due to their association with the grave. But gone are the superstitions; now everyone enjoys the beauty of these flowers without any worries.
How to Take Care of Snowdrops?
- Snowdrop plants require full sun to partial shade, but they grow best when given 6 hours of proper sunlight.
- They usually require loamy, sandy, well-drained soil with no particular pH; just make sure the soil is not very clayey.
- These plants do not require any particular watering; a little during hot weather is enough.
- Proper fertilisation when planting snowdrops ensures good growth.
What do Snowdrops Say About January-Borns?
Snowdrops, the birth flowers for January, truly represent the strength, purity, and optimism of January-borns. If you have a January-born friend, they will likely be the most courageous in your group. These birth flowers represent their immense power and the ability to start over even after facing the harshest conditions. And the purity of their heart and an optimistic personality make them the most loved, innocent, compassionate, and sympathetic friend you will ever have. Thus, if you have a January-born friend, you must gift them a fresh bouquet of flowers for their special occasion.
Conclusion
Being excited about your birthday and wanting to know everything about it is natural. Your birthday is your day, one that demands everything to be like you, associated with you, and created just for you. And birth flowers that define you are unmissable.
Thus, if you are planning your birthday and have a friend whose birthday comes in January, you must get them their birthday flowers from Southside Blooms. They offer you the best flowers, curated just for you, at the best prices. And yes! With no extra shipping charges. So don’t forget to get them their birthday flowers.
FAQs
What Is The Birth Flower For January?
January has two birth flowers: Carnations & Snowdrops. These birth flowers for January are a true reflection of the nature of those born in January and symbolise their admiration, devotion, resilience, optimism, and warmth.
Why Does January Have Two Birth Flowers?
January has two birth flowers, carnations and snowdrops, primarily because they are both January blooms and offer rich insight into the personalities of January-borns. As two birth flowers, they give them a chance to choose one with which they resonate most.
What Is January’s Birth Flower Tattoo?
The January birth flowers embody the characteristics of those born in January. And due to the rich meanings and symbolism of January’s birth flowers, carnations and snowdrops have also become the most common choices for January-borns as tattoos.
What Color Rose Is January?
The rose colour of January is white, as the white roses mark the beginning of the new year with the purity, remembrance, and innocence of a white rose.
What Does The White Snowdrop Flower Mean In Love?
The white snowdrop flower in love is known to symbolize hope for a better future together. These flowers are a symbol of innocence and purity in love, and are offered as a promise of loyalty to the partner.
What Flower Is Best For Luck?
If you want to attract luck or wish someone luck, flowers like carnations, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, peonies, and orchids are a viable option. These flowers are notably known to attract positivity and good fortune.
What Flower Means A Second Chance?
White carnations are generally associated with second chances, fresh starts, and sincere apologies. If you are truly apologetic and want to start over by letting go of the past, you must present a bouquet of white carnations to convey your feelings.