With Valentine’s Day at the forefront of everyone’s mind in February, it may come as a surprise that the red rose is not February’s birth month flower. Instead, those born in the second month of the year are linked to the violet and primrose. Whether they’re your “birth” flower or not, here is the history, meaning, and symbolism of the violet and primrose!
Not many flowers bloom in February (certainly not traditional roses, which are at their best in June). However, the tiny woodland plants of February brighten the landscape like purple, colorful slippers. Wild violets show off their purple-blue petals and heart-shaped leaves in the coldest months! Primroses, a small perennial woodland plant, also bloom in wintertime.
The Violet
The violet is one of the earliest blooming plants in the spring. Violets typically have heart-shaped leaves and asymmetrical flowers that vary in color. Many are violet, as their name suggests, while others are blue, yellow, white and cream. Some are even bicolored, often blue and yellow.
The violet has been thought to symbolize modesty, faithfulness, everlasting love, innocence, and remembrance.
In the Victorian age, a gift of violets was a declaration to always be true. It still serves as a reminder of loyalty, thoughtfulness and dependability. Give a violet to someone to let them know you’ll always be there for them!
Violets grow well in the front of borders and in garden beds, as well as in containers. Depending on where you live, you’re most likely to see wild violets pop up in your garden, but they can also be planted or started from seed.
The Primrose
It is one of the earliest blooming flowers in the spring and its flowers may appear in white, yellow, pink, red, or violet. One thing that is consistent is the center of the primrose bloom is almost always yellow. The Primrose is although is not a member of the rose family. It is, however, one of the first blooming flowers in the spring.
In the Victorian era, a gift of primroses meant young love, while in the language of flowers, it says, “I can’t live without you.”
The primrose is ideal for front borders, garden beds, and edging for paths and walkways. It is also a great addition to shade and rock gardens.
