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! In March, the traditional birth flowers are daffodils and jonquils.
As we head into March (and with spring just around the corner), a lot of people are wondering what types of flowers make the most meaningful gifts at this time of the year.
Well, there are many options. But when it comes to symbolism and significance, the top spots go to daffodils and jonquils.
Daffodils are perennial bulbous plants that typically bloom into bright yellow flowers with a long, trumpet-shaped center. They’re also lightly scented, and prefer colder winter temperatures before blooming in the spring.
Jonquils are actually a specific type of daffodil. In fact, they’re even in the same family. Both plants belong to the genus Narcissus, and the family Amaryllidaceae. In fact, there are as many as 200 different species within this genus, and jonquils are one of them.
Therefore, all jonquils are daffodils—but not all daffodils are jonquils!
Anyway—what makes jonquils different is that they tend to be a ‘sturdier’ type of daffodil. They tend to grow in warmer southern regions and feature 1 to 5 golden yellow, fragrant flowers per stem. They’re also much more ‘richly perfumed’ than some other types of daffodils.
But still, regardless of exactly which type of daffodil you plan to grow, these flowers are welcome messengers of springtime—and are a beautiful addition to any yard, garden, or floral centerpiece.
What Do Daffodils And Jonquils Mean?
Daffodils are best known for symbolizing concepts like rebirth and new beginnings. Since they’re one of the first types of flowers to bloom at the end of the winter months, they’re a natural announcement of the spring—so it’s not surprising that they’re associated with such positive ideals.
They can also serve as symbols of creativity, energy, forgiveness, resilience, and vitality.
Jonquils, which are a very specific type of daffodil, carry a slightly different meaning. They’re generally associated with ideas like desire, domestic bliss, and friendship.
The History Of Daffodils And Jonquils
According to history, the Narcissus species of flowers (both daffodils and jonquils) grow naturally in a wide range of European and North African habitats. They’re also found naturally in Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Western France, and Italy.
Around 300 BC, the flowers began to be introduced into gardens in different parts of the world. They were brought to Britain by the Romans due to the belief that their sap carried healing powers.
In the 19th century, the classification of the many different types of Narcissus flower species was attempted. In the meantime, they’ve become a popular cultivated plant all around the world—including here in the Ozarks.
Why Daffodils And Jonquils Make Perfect Gifts
Due to the fact that daffodils symbolize ideals like rebirth and new beginnings, they make amazing gifts in the month of March because March is really the month where we start to see the spring seasonal change taking greater effect in the Ozarks.
Jonquils take this even a step further by symbolizing ideals like desire and domestic bliss. This makes them powerful symbolic gifts for friends, loved ones, and family members. And since they don’t carry the same romantic undertones as roses, they can be given for almost any type of special occasion—or even just as a ‘thinking of you’ type of gift.
Plus, with daffodils being perennials, it’s surprisingly easy to get them to come back year after year—especially in our mild Missouri climate. Thus, they tend to be a fantastic gift that just keeps on giving, year after year.
Tips For Keeping Your Daffodils And Jonquils Fresh After Cutting
Note that the best way to give daffodils and jonquils as gifts is to give them in a pot, so they can be replanted to come back every year.
But if you do want to cut them and either put them in your home or give them as a gift, here are some tips to keep them fresh and beautiful for as long as possible.
First, cut them either in the morning or late evening, when the temperature is cooler.
Use a clean, sharp knife (not scissors), and cut them at the stem at a 45-degree angle.
As soon as you cut them, place them in cool water and add a floral preservative.
Change the water every 2 days to keep it fresh, and keep the vase in a cool room—away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly why daffodils and jonquils often make the best gifts for the month of March.
Equipped with this information, you’re now ready to start giving them as gifts while being well-versed in their deep and meaningful symbolism.
If you need some help keeping them fresh, or if you need some help finding the perfect flowers for your occasion, don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop by. We’d love to help you with all of your March flower needs!