February is the second month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and has 28 days in common years or 29 days in leap years. It is typically associated with Valentine’s Day and the color red as well as certain flowers that bloom in the late winter season.
When people think of the month of February, certain associations often come to mind. The most obvious is Valentine’s Day, the holiday of love and romance that falls on February 14th. Red is strongly linked to Valentine’s Day for its symbolism of passion and the heart. Flowers also play an important role in February as many blooms signify love and are commonly given as Valentine’s gifts. Additionally, some flowers actually bloom in February despite it still being winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
So what is the signature color and flower of the second month? Looking deeper at common connections and symbolism provides the answers.
The Color Red
Red is undoubtedly the color most affiliated with the month of February. As mentioned, its tie to Valentine’s Day is the number one reason. Red symbolizes love, passion, and the heart in many cultures. It is the color of romance and affection.
Some key reasons why red is the signature color of February:
- Red roses are the most iconic Valentine’s Day flower. Red roses convey love, longing, and desire.
- Heart shapes are also very common Valentine’s symbols. Hearts are almost always depicted as red.
- Red is considered the color of passion, romance, and intimacy.
- Many Valentine’s Day cards, candies, decorations, and gifts incorporate the color red.
- Red outfits and lipstick are popular choices for Valentine’s Day dates.
- Red is frequently used in February marketing and advertising campaigns.
- Common February birthstones amethyst and garnet are shades of red.
- Red packets are traditionally gifted during the Chinese New Year which occurs in February.
So when you think of February, think red! The color has become an integral part of the Valentine’s Day holiday and thus the month as a whole. It’s why February is officially designated as Red Month in various promotional calendars.
Flowers of February
February is definitely not a warm spring month where flowers are in full bloom. However, there are still several flowers strongly associated with February due to their seasonal peak bloom time and symbolism.
Rose
As discussed, red roses are the number one February flower due to their longstanding association with Valentine’s Day. Roses have been considered the ultimate flower gift between lovers for centuries. Red roses convey love, longing, and desire. That’s why they’re always a top-selling flower before February 14th.
Some fun facts about roses in February:
- Approximately 250 million roses are produced for Valentine’s Day each year.
- Red roses make up the vast majority of Valentine’s flower sales.
- Other popular Valentine’s rose colors are white, pink, lavender, and multicolor.
- Most roses sold around February 14th are imported from South America.
- Ordering early is recommended as rose prices rise closer to Valentine’s Day.
Roses may seem cliche, but they remain the definitive flower for declaring one’s love during the month of February.
Violet
Violets are February’s birth flower and have romantic connotations. Purple and white violets symbolize faithfulness while blue violets represent love and faith. They are a more unique alternative to classic red roses.
Fun facts about February’s birth flower:
- Violets grow low to the ground and can survive cold February temperatures.
- They bloom early in the year, peaking in late winter to early spring.
- The violet’s dainty appearance lends to its association with modesty.
- Give purple or white violets to profess devotion to a lover.
- Elizabethan custom used violets to indicate interest when they could not speak.
Violets pair nicely with red roses in Valentine’s Day bouquets. They provide an extra touch of romance with their delicate beauty and rich meaning.
Iris
While irises are the birth flower for August, they are also an important February flower. The purple iris specifically conveys wisdom and compliments. What better message for a Valentine’s bouquet?
Some key facts about February irises:
- Irises bloom early in temperate climates, bringing color in late winter.
- The sword-like foliage remains green even in winter cold.
- Iris symbolism includes faith, hope, trust and cherished friendship.
- Purple irises pair nicely with red roses and pink carnations.
- Irises are one of the more affordable flower options for February 14th.
The regal iris beautifully conveys positive messages while adding rich purple hues to Valentine’s arrangements and bouquets.
Snowdrop
The snowdrop is one of the earliest blooming flowers after winter’s cold. Emerging from the snow as early as January, they signal the coming of spring. Their name comes from their bell-like white petals that hang downward like drops dripping from snow.
Fun snowdrop facts:
- Snowdrops belong to the iris family and the genus Galanthus.
- The flower is sometimes called February Fair-Maids.
- Snowdrops contain the toxic alkaloid galantamine so are unsuitable for pets.
- It is believed that catching a snowdrop flower before it hits the ground will bring good luck.
- Snowdrops represent hope and beauty overcoming adversity.
The darling snowdrop deserves more appreciation as a special early February bloom that signals winter’s end is near.
Other Notable February Flowers
Beyond the signature blooms already discussed, there are a few other flowers that peak in February or that make popular Valentine’s Day bouquets.
Carnation
Carnations are a versatile flower found in many floral arrangements. Their ruffled petals and wide variety of colors lend well to Valentine’s Day bouquets. Red carnations signify deep love and affection while pink convey gratitude and white represent pure love. Mini carnations are especially popular choices.
Orchid
Orchids denote refinement and elegance, making them a top pick for February 14th gifts. The exotic blooms are now more affordable than ever and available in an array of colors. Purple orchids signify passion while pink orchids represent joy, making solid Valentine’s choices.
Tulip
Tulips announce that spring has sprung come March but certain varieties bloom in February. Red tulips declare one’s undying love while pink tulips convey happiness and cream tulips represent romance. An assortment of tulips is a great way to share the love.
Daffodil
While daffodils are the March birth flower, they begin to emerge from the ground in late February. A cheery yellow bouquet signals hope and rebirth after a long winter. More reasons to celebrate this early spring arrival.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths produce showy, highly fragrant blooms in February, contributing lovely aromas. Purple hyacinths in particular represent sincerity and apologies, so are meaningful for mending relationships.
Conclusion
February may be the shortest month but it is packed with symbolism. When it comes to color, red rules February with its ties to romance and passion. Roses, violets, irises, and snowdrops take the spotlight when looking at signature February flowers. While still a winter month, seeing these flowers start to emerge provides hope that the beauty of spring is not too far away.
So when looking to convey love and celebrate relationships in February, be sure to think red and fill your life with beautiful blooms. The vibrant color and floral gifts are sure to warm hearts even on the coldest wintry days.