Did you know that each month of the year has its own specific flower, or oftentimes more than one? Follow along as we do a series on these ‘birth month flowers’ and you’ll be sure to learn something new and exciting! January’s flowers are the versatile carnation, and the delicate snowdrop.
Carnations are a type of flower with a round, ruffled head that is made up of many different petals. They’re often white, pink, red, or purple in color, but with floral magic (artistry), they can be any color of the rainbow, or many different colors at once! Carnations have a spicy, clove-like fragrance, and sit on a long, slender stem.
Snowdrops are small, delicate flowers that, in these parts, hail the first signs of the coming spring. They’re bell-shaped and hang from a thin stem. They have a very subtle, yet sweet fragrance—and are often found growing in both gardens and woodland areas.
But these flowers are more than just random plants.
Aside from being beautiful, they’re both flowers that carry strong symbolism associated with the month of January—and thus, make amazing gifts for people who were either born in the first month of the year, are celebrating a special occasion in the month of January, or just deserve some love, admiration, respect, and recognition as the new year begins.
What Do Carnations And Snowdrops Mean?
According to Christian lore, the first carnations were said to sprout from the ground where the tears of the Virgin Mary fell as she watched Jesus carry the cross on the eve of his crucifixion. As such, they’re associated with ideals like fascination, distinction, admiration, devotion, and love.
And snowdrops, being one of the first flowers to bloom each spring, carry with them an associated symbolism with ideals like hope, rebirth, and the overcoming of challenges.
The History Of Carnations And Snowdrops
It’s believed that carnations originated in the Pyrenees. Their history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, and they’re often referred to as one of the oldest cultivated flowers in existence.
As for snowdrops, it’s believed that these beautiful little specimens were originally native wildflowers in Europe and the Middle East, and were later introduced to Britain by the Romans. It was Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, who officially named the flower. He named it Galanthus nivalis, which basically means milk flower of the snow.
Why Carnations And Snowdrops Make Perfect Gifts
Traditionally, carnations carry deep meaning associated with ideals like love, pride, and desire.
They’re perfect for any occasion where you want to show someone that you care, and that they matter to you. Carnations are extremely popular as an alternative to rose bouquets, and can really be given as a gift for almost any occasion.
Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also an amazing addition to bouquets of mixed flowers due to their diverse color schemes, long-lasting freshness, and pleasant fragrance.
Snowdrop flowers make amazing gifts as well because they’re delicate and beautiful, and carry meanings associated with hope and new beginnings.
They’re an amazing gift to give someone who’s going through a life transition or embarking on a new life adventure.
They’re also unique gifts due to the fact that they’re less common. Giving snowdrop flowers as gifts, either as a potted plant or in an arrangement, will definitely leave a lasting impression and let the recipient know that you care.
Tips For Keeping Your Carnations And Snowdrops Fresh After Cutting
When cutting carnations, make sure to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, and remove any leaves that’ll sit below the water line of your vase.
You’ll want to fill your vase with room-temperature water, and always use a flower food packet if you have one available.
If you change the water and re-cut the stem every 2 to 3 days, your carnations should definitely last for a long time. You can also add a few ice cubes to the water to maximize their freshness and lifespan.
As a general rule, snowdrop flowers are best kept potted. Due to the delicate nature of their stems, they’re quite fragile and don’t tend to keep very long after they’re cut.
Conclusion
Now you know about two of the best options for January flower gifts.
Giving carnations and/or snowdrops during the month of January is a fantastic way to let loved ones know that you care. It’s also a gesture that’ll tend to leave a lasting, memorable, positive impression.
If you need help sourcing some flowers for gifts, don’t hesitate to drop by or give us a call.
We’d love to help you sort out your January flower gift needs and help you give the best carnations and snowdrops possible.