March Birth Flowers & Meanings: Daffodils & Jonquils

Do you know a Piscean born in early March, or an Aries born later in the month? If you believe in the Zodiac, you'll know these two star signs are polar opposites! One sensitive and caring, the other fiery and proud.

While the two March star signs are wildly different, the two March birth flowers are incredibly similar! So similar in fact, you might argue they are they same flower...

So, what is the birth flower for March?

March Birth Flower #1: Daffodils

Daffodils - from the Narcissus family of flowers - are trumpet-shaped and have yellow petals that resemble a six-pointed star.

With notably large bulbs that bloom at the beginning of Spring, these popular March birth flowers also grow with shining centres of deep orange and pastel pink, and some have ivory petals instead of yellow.

If you’re a March baby or know someone who is, you might enjoy gifting these flowers to other dreamers and imaginative thinkers.

It's important to note, however, that daffodils do not bloom naturally in Australia in March. In the northern hemisphere, March is the first month of spring, right when daffodils come into bloom. In the southern hemisphere, of course, March marks the beginning of autumn.

Daffodil Flower Meaning

In general, daffodils are symbols of rebirth and new beginnings, owing to the way in which they bloom at the end of winter to announce the beginning of spring.

In the Victorian Age, when floriography was at its height, daffodils were given or held as symbols of unrequited love.

Yellow daffodils

Golden daffodils are a symbol of hope, joy, and resilience. If you know a friend who isn’t having the best day, yellow daffodils are sure to brighten it.

Alternatively, consider our Get Well Soon collection to spread some cheer to those in your life who might be feeling under the weather.

Pink daffodils

Leaning more towards apricot or peachy tones instead of fuchsia pink, pink daffodils add a soft touch to flower arrangements. They symbolise pride and uniqueness, and are perfect for showing loving sentiments towards others, whether romantic or platonic. 

White daffodils

White flowers usually always reflect a sense of innocence or purity, and this is also true for white daffodils.

White daffodils also symbolise turning away from vanity, selfishness, and choosing to change for the better.

Daffodil Flower History

The daffodil flower has a rich history across Europe and the world, with daffodil flower images discovered in the likes of Pompeii and even Ancient Egypt.

As a type of Narcissus flower, the daffodil has an interesting Greek myth behind it. The story goes that Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection and either drowned admiring himself in a pool, or was turned into a daffodil flower by nymphs whilst doing so. Regardless, this is where the concept of narcissism comes from.

Daffodils literally stem from the words ‘cometh early’ or ‘affo dyle’ in Dutch, as they often show colours as soon as winter ends.

Brought to Britain by the Roman army, not only did they believe the daffodil had healing powers, but they planted this flower in memory of their loved ones from many battles. The daffodil had been seen in England since the 17th century, but wasn’t officially farmed there until the 19th century.

As well as having a cool to spicy fragrance, they also have thousands of varieties, such as the Daffodil Candy Princess or the Pink Charm.

Do Daffodils Have Medicinal Properties?

Traditionally, the daffodil has been used to reduce pain, such as healing wounds, asthma, joint pain, and even cases of epilepsy. However, there is no medical evidence to prove the daffodil’s effectiveness.

Conversely, all parts of the plant are poisonous when consumed by humans or dogs, generally causing vomiting, nausea, sweating, and an upset stomach.

Daffodils are also known to "poison" other flowers in a bouquet. When cut, they release a sap that inhibits water absorption and also increases the growth of bacteria, causing other flowers to wilt faster.

March Birth Flower #2: Jonquils

Jonquils are another member of the Narcissus flower family and are almost identical to daffodils.

In fact, "daffodils" is used as a general term for flowers within this family, so while jonquils may be called daffodils, not all daffodils may be called jonquils. 

Confusing, right?

Native to Spain and Portugal, jonquils are smaller than their daffodil cousins, have rounder petals, and more flat-shaped leaves. And while daffodils only have one flower per stem, jonquils can have up to three.

Jonquil Flower Meaning

As well as having a shared Greek mythological background with daffodils, jonquil flowers have a range of interesting meanings around the globe.

In floriography, these March birth flowers symbolise forgiveness and a desire for affections to be reciprocated. Jonquils also symbolise creativity, success, rebirth and renewal, just like daffodils.

Jonquil Flower History

Cultivated for centuries, it is believed that Roman soldiers transported jonquils to England during the crusades.

Greek mythology tells that when Persephone was snatched by Hades, God of the Underworld, she dropped the lilies she'd been collecting, which then turned into jonquils. It's also said that jonquils grow along the River Styx. 

This March birth flower comes from the Spanish word ‘jonquillo’ meaning "rush", referring to the rush-like foliage of jonquil flowers. 

A common garden and landscaping flowers, jonquils are also known to have a strong fragrance, akin to jasmine or honey for some while incredibly noxious to others. 

Shop Birthday Flowers at Floraly

If you're looking for beautiful birthday flowers for your March friends and family (or anyone for that matter), you've come to the right place. At Floraly, we have a gorgeous range of birthday blooms guaranteed to wow your lucky recipient.

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Or, if you’re eager to learn more about birth flowers, read up on November Birth Flowers, October Birth Flowers, and April Birth Flowers for rich history, insights, and how to gift stunning bouquets on days of birth.

Or you can explore our Flower Delivery Melbourne, Flower Delivery Sydney and Flower Delivery Perth collections to see what flowers we can deliver to your loved ones in these locations.