March marks the end of winter and the awakening of nature after a long cold sleep. The birth flowers for March symbolize birth and new beginnings, optimism, and the return of warmth—daffodils and jonquils embody this spirit.
These yellow blossoms don’t just announce spring’s arrival; they insist on it pushing through the last remnants of winter’s chill with their bright, sun-like petals. Daffodils and jonquils represent nature’s celebration of new beginnings, whether they’re dancing in the wind enhancing a floral arrangement, or carrying age-old symbolism.
Want to learn about their past, significance, and why they’re more than just beautiful garden plants? Let’s explore!
What Are Birth Flowers?
Centuries ago, long before text messages and birthday cards, people had a different way of celebrating someone’s birth—they gave flowers that carried meaning. Not just any blooms, but ones believed to be tied to the month of birth, reflecting the personality and fate of the person born in that season. Over time, this tradition grew, turning into what we now call birth month flowers.
Here’s why they matter:
- A Bloom for Every Birthday – Each month has its own floral ambassador, chosen to match the season’s energy and the traits of those born within it.
- A Tradition Rooted in History – Ancient Greeks, Romans, and even early Christians believed flowers had symbolic powers, influencing everything from luck to love.
- Floral Storytelling – By the Victorian era, people had mastered the art of sending messages through flowers, and birth flowers became a way to express admiration, love, or even personality.
For March, daffodils and jonquils take center stage, symbolizing renewal, joy, and the first breath of spring. Let’s take a closer look at these golden messengers of change!
March Birth Flower: Daffodil
If one flower could perfectly capture the spirit of March, it would be the daffodil. Bold, bright, and completely unbothered by the last traces of winter, daffodils burst through cold soil like little golden trumpets announcing spring’s arrival. Their cheery yellow petals and delicate fragrances make them a joyful symbol of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings—just what we all need after a long winter.
But daffodils are more than just spring’s opening act. They’ve been woven into myths, poetry, and traditions for centuries, symbolizing everything from rebirth to unrequited love. Let’s dive into the rich history, meanings, and care tips for this radiant March birth flower.
The Daffodil: History and Symbolism
Daffodils have been blooming in legends and folklore for thousands of years. Their botanical name, Narcissus, comes from Greek mythology—the tragic tale of Narcissus, a handsome young man who fell in love with his own reflection. So mesmerized by his beauty, he wasted away staring at his image, and from that spot, a daffodil bloomed.
Beyond mythology, daffodils have carried different meanings across cultures:
- In Wales, the daffodil is the national flower and worn proudly on St. David’s Day (March 1st) as a symbol of Welsh pride and resilience.
- In China, daffodils represent good luck and prosperity. They’re especially popular during the Lunar New Year, as their bloom is believed to bring wealth for the year ahead.
- In Victorian floriography, daffodils symbolized new beginnings and unrequited love, making them a bittersweet yet hopeful bloom.
- In modern times, the daffodil is the emblem of the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days, representing hope and strength for those battling cancer.
With such a deep and varied history, it’s no wonder daffodils continue to brighten gardens, homes, and hearts every spring.
The Daffodil: Colors and Their Meanings
While classic daffodils are bright yellow, they actually come in a variety of colors—each with its own symbolism:
- Yellow Daffodils – The universal symbol of happiness, optimism, and renewal. If sunshine had a floral form, this would be it!
- White Daffodils – Represent purity, new beginnings, and inner peace—a perfect choice for weddings or fresh starts.
- Orange Daffodils – Symbolize energy, enthusiasm, and boldness, making them a statement flower in any bouquet.
- Pink Daffodils – A rarer variety, often linked to grace, admiration, and gentle affection.
The Daffodil: Growing and Caring
Want to fill your garden with these golden bursts of joy? Luckily, daffodils are easy to grow and require very little maintenance. Here’s how to keep them thriving:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade—daffodils love sunshine!
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas.
- Watering: Daffodils don’t need much watering once established. Water when planting, then let rain do most of the work.
- Planting: Best planted in fall (before the first frost). Bulbs should be buried 2-3 times deeper than their height.
- Propagation: Daffodils multiply naturally—once planted, they’ll keep coming back and even spread over time!
Bonus tip: Let the foliage die back naturally after blooming. The leaves absorb nutrients for next year’s flowers, so resist the urge to trim them too soon!
March Birth Flower: Jonquil
Daffodils catch the eye with their boldness, but jonquils offer a more graceful alternative—they’re a bit more delicate and refined yet just as excited to herald spring. These flowers form clusters of golden blooms, give off a sweet scent, and exude a gentle charm.
People have long valued jonquils for their warmth, affection, and quiet resilience. Jonquils stand for expressing gratitude, sincerity, and enduring commitment. They embody deep appreciation and heartfelt feelings. Though they don’t demand attention, the beauty and fragrance of jonquils stay with you long after you first notice them.
The Jonquil: History and Symbolism
Jonquils, like daffodils, belong to the Narcissus family, making them part of the same Greek myth that tells the story of Narcissus, the youth who became so entranced by his own reflection that he wasted away by a pool of water, only for a flower to bloom in his place. But while daffodils often symbolize fresh starts, jonquils are more deeply tied to affection, longing, and appreciation.
- In Victorian flower language, jonquils symbolized a desire for love to be returned—a subtle yet deeply romantic gift.
- In Chinese culture, they are associated with good fortune and success, often planted or gifted to bring happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
- In Mediterranean traditions, jonquils were believed to bring protection and joy, often planted near doorways to welcome kindness and warmth into the home.
Jonquils aren’t just flowers; they are symbols of gratitude, kindness, and the beauty of enduring relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships that stand the test of time.
The Jonquil: Unique Characteristics
At first glance, jonquils and daffodils seem nearly identical, but a closer look reveals their distinct differences. Unlike daffodils, which usually have a single bloom per stem, jonquils produce clusters of smaller flowers, each with a soft, rounded shape and a rich, golden hue.
But perhaps the most enchanting quality of jonquils is their fragrance. While many daffodil varieties have little to no scent, jonquils are famously aromatic, filling gardens with a delicate, honey-like perfume. Their scent is so cherished that jonquil oil was once a prized ingredient in high-end perfumes and aromatherapy.
Another unique trait? Their slender, rush-like leaves, which is actually how they got their name—“jonquil” comes from the Spanish word jonquil, referring to their thin, reed-like foliage.
Where daffodils symbolize bold change and new chapters, jonquils embody affection, appreciation, and the quiet beauty of meaningful connections.
The Jonquil: Growing and Caring
Jonquils are hardy, fuss-free, and rewarding perennials, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to bring soft color and fragrance to their garden. Here’s how to keep them thriving:
- Light: They thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid heavy, soggy soil.
- Watering: Water after planting, but once established, they’re drought-resistant and need minimal care.
- Planting: Best planted in autumn, about 3 inches deep. Spacing bulbs a few inches apart will create a natural, full look.
Propagation: Jonquils multiply easily, returning year after year and slowly spreading across garden beds.
How to Use March Birth Flowers
Daffodils and jonquils aren’t just a welcome sign of spring—they’re incredibly versatile flowers that bring warmth and joy wherever they go. Whether you’re looking to brighten a day, give a meaningful gift, or refresh your home decor, these March birth flowers fit the bill beautifully
1. In Bouquets and Arrangements
Daffodils and jonquils steal the show in floral arrangements with their cheerful hues and delicate petals. They can stand alone in a simple, elegant bouquet, or mix effortlessly in a stunning mixed bouquet with pastel tulips, hyacinths, and ranunculus for a stunning spring arrangement.
For a more natural, wildflower-inspired look, pair daffodils with freesias or waxflowers. Jonquils, with their intoxicating fragrance, make a wonderful addition to small attention bouquets, perfect for just-because moments that don’t need a special occasion.
Pro tip: When using daffodils in mixed bouquets, keep them in their own vase for a few hours first—their stems release a sap that can shorten the life of other flowers.
2. As Gifts
A bouquet of March birth flowers isn’t just beautiful—it carries deep meaning. Daffodils symbolize new beginnings and encouragement, making them a perfect gift for someone starting a new chapter—a fresh career, a move, or even a personal journey.
Jonquils, with their gentle scent and romantic symbolism, make a wonderful floral gift for close friends and loved ones, expressing appreciation and heartfelt connection.
For a more lasting option, potted daffodils or jonquils are a great choice. They can be planted in the garden, blooming year after year as a reminder of your thoughtful gesture.
Looking for something unexpected? A single-stem daffodil tucked into a “thinking of you” note makes a charming just-because flower—a small act that can brighten someone’s entire day.
3. In Home Decor
Bringing March birth flowers indoors is an instant way to add freshness, color, and warmth to any space. A vase of golden daffodils on the kitchen table or a small jar of jonquils on a nightstand fills the room with the lightness of spring.
For something a bit more unique, dried daffodil petals can be pressed into framed artwork, capturing their beauty in a way that lasts beyond the season. You can also place potted jonquils in entryways or windowsills, where their fragrance subtly perfumes the air.
And if you love floral scents? Try placing a small attention bouquet of jonquils in the bathroom or guest room—a simple, effortless way to elevate the space with nature’s own fragrance.
Fun Facts About March Birth Flowers
March’s birth flowers—daffodils and jonquils—aren’t just about springtime charm. These golden blooms have quirky, unexpected stories and unique traits that make them even more fascinating. Here are a few fun facts you probably haven’t heard:
- Daffodils can clone themselves. Unlike most flowers that spread through seeds, daffodils can also multiply underground through bulb division, creating genetic copies of themselves year after year.
- Jonquils are one of the most fragrant narcissus varieties. Their scent is so rich and complex that luxury perfumers once used jonquil oil as a base note in high-end fragrances.
- In medieval times, daffodils were thought to predict luck. It was believed that if a daffodil drooped when you looked at it, bad fortune was on the way—but if it stood tall, good luck was near.
- Jonquils are used in aromatherapy. Their essential oil is known to have calming, anti-stress properties, making them a natural mood booster.
- Daffodils can be toxic—especially to pets! While stunning in bouquets and gardens, their bulbs and stems contain lycorine, a chemical that can cause illness if ingested by animals or humans.
- They bloom faster in warm rooms. If you bring a bouquet of daffodils indoors, placing them in a sunny, warm spot can speed up their blooming process—almost like a natural time-lapse in your own home.
- A single daffodil is considered bad luck in some cultures. While a bunch of daffodils symbolizes happiness, giving just one can be seen as a sign of misfortune—so always gift them in multiples!
To Sum Up
As the signature March flowers, daffodils and jonquils bring light, energy, and a touch of magic wherever they bloom. Whether they’re gifted in a thoughtful bouquet, planted for a yearly burst of color, or simply admired from afar, these flowers carry a message of joy, appreciation, and the beauty of fresh beginnings.
And for those moments when only the freshest, most beautifully arranged blooms will do, Ode à la Rose’s signature bouquets capture the season’s vibrance in every petal—making every occasion, big or small, one to remember.
