May Birth Flowers: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn
May's birth flowers, the Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn Flower, carry rich symbolism: sweetness, humility, and the return of happiness. Both have grown in gardens for centuries and hold long histories in folklore and traditional medicine, which makes them a thoughtful pick for a May birthday. Include a bouquet inspired by May Birthday Flowers to show warmth and love on that special day.
May's Birth Flowers: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
May's birth flowers, the Lily of the Valley and the Hawthorn, hold significant historical and symbolic value. They make for perfect gifts to honor loved ones born in May.
The Lily of the Valley symbolizes humility and sweetness with its delicate white bell-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance. Meanwhile, the Hawthorn symbolizes hope and supreme happiness with its pink and white blossoms. Both these flowers add beauty and charm to any setting and carry powerful messages to celebrate life, love, and new beginnings.
The symbolism of the Lily of the Valley Flower
The Lily of the Valley flower symbolizes purity, innocence, and happiness. Its bell-shaped blooms, nicknamed May bells, give off a sweet fragrance often associated with the sweet nectar of life. In the language of flowers, it stands for the return of happiness, and in many cultures it is believed to bring luck and wealth to its bearer.
This timeless flower has been used in many ways, from herbal remedies to religious ceremonies. In France, people still trade sprigs of it every May 1 for La Fete du Muguet, a good-luck tradition that dates back to the 1500s. It appears in spring celebrations and sympathy arrangements alike, an enduring symbol of beauty and hope.
Meaning of the Hawthorn Flower
The Hawthorn flower symbolizes hope, life, love, and new beginnings. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and in old European folklore hawthorn trees were planted near homes for protection. Its delicate and beautiful pink or white blooms have captured the hearts of many, but its meaning goes beyond its aesthetics.
The Hawthorn flower represents the beauty after hardship, the strength from surviving tough times, and the love that grows from difficult situations. In hard seasons and new chapters alike, it serves as a reminder that beauty and hope exist even in the darkest moments.
How to Include May's Birth Flowers in Your Garden
May is known for its blooming flowers, specifically the Lily of the Valley plant and the hawthorn blossom. Incorporating these two May birth flowers is a great way to start if you want to add beauty to your garden this month.
Lily of the Valley is a delicate, bell-shaped flower that emits a sweet fragrance, making it a popular choice for wedding bouquets and decorations. On the other hand, Hawthorn blossom blooms in clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers and attracts a variety of birds and insects to your garden. These May birth flowers can create a charming and fragrant display in your backyard. Follow a few simple planting and care tips and you'll have a garden full of May's birth flowers in no time.
How to Use Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn in Floral Design
Flower arranging is an art that requires both skill and creativity. Consider incorporating Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn into your designs if you want to up your game. Lily of the Valley's delicate, bell-shaped flowers and sweet scent make it popular for weddings and other special occasions.
On the other hand, Hawthorn features clusters of small, white, or pinkish flowers and dark green foliage that can add texture and depth to your arrangements. When incorporating these flowers, choose complementary colors and textures to create a cohesive and visually appealing design. With some practice and experimentation, you'll be building pieces worth photographing.
Things to Consider When Planting These Flowers
Planting flowers can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but there are a few things to remember before you start. First and foremost, consider the location where you will be planting your flowers. Different types of flowers require varying amounts of sunlight and shade, so ensure that you choose a location suitable for the specific flowers you are planting. Next, consider the soil quality and ensure it suits the flowers you want to grow.
Additionally, think about the watering needs of your flowers and determine how often you will need to water them. Lastly, keep in mind the size of the plants at maturity, as overcrowding can limit their growth and overall health. Considering these factors, you can ensure a successful and beautiful garden for years.
Sending May Birth Flowers as a Bouquet
One honest note from our designers: lily of the valley is a short-season spring stem with a brief vase life, so it rarely shows up as a cut flower outside April and May. It's also toxic if eaten, so keep it away from curious pets and kids. When it isn't in season, we substitute blooms of equal or greater value, and true lilies or white bell-shaped campanula carry the same delicate look year-round.
Hand-arranging flowers has been part of this shop since 1903, and every bouquet is delivered by a local florist near your recipient. Same-day orders just need to be placed by 2:00 PM Monday through Saturday, or noon on Sunday, in the recipient's local time zone.
Born a month to either side? April pairs the daisy and sweet pea, covered in our April birth flowers guide, and June belongs to the rose and honeysuckle in our June birth flower guide.
Lily of the valley is one of twelve. See the whole calendar in our guide to birth flowers by month.