Birth Flower Tattoo: 12 Beautiful Designs for Every Month and Their Meanings
A birth flower tattoo is a beautiful way to celebrate the month you were born, or the birthday of someone you love. Just like birthstones, every month has its own flower with its own meaning, and a birth flower tattoo can be a single delicate stem or a full bouquet that brings a whole family together.
This guide lists the birth flower for every month, explains what each one means and shows 12 birth flower tattoo designs on the skin, with tips on placement, style, cost and aftercare.
Table of Contents
Birth Flowers by Month
Most months have two traditional birth flowers in the United States and the United Kingdom:
- January: carnation and snowdrop.
- February: violet and primrose.
- March: daffodil and jonquil.
- April: daisy and sweet pea.
- May: lily of the valley and hawthorn.
- June: rose and honeysuckle.
- July: larkspur and water lily.
- August: gladiolus and poppy.
- September: aster and morning glory.
- October: marigold and cosmos.
- November: chrysanthemum.
- December: narcissus and holly.
Birth Flower Tattoo Meaning
A birth flower tattoo carries two layers of meaning. The first is personal: it marks a birthday, either yours or the birthday of a child, partner, parent or friend. The second comes from the flower itself, since each bloom has its own symbolism in the language of flowers, a tradition that became popular in Victorian England, when people sent secret messages through bouquets.
Family Birth Flower Bouquet Tattoos
One of the most popular ideas is a family bouquet that combines the birth flower of each family member into one design. A mother might choose the flowers of each of her children, while siblings or a couple might each get the same bouquet. You can tie the stems with a ribbon, add tiny initials or keep it simple. See our mom tattoos, mother daughter tattoos and kids name tattoo ideas guides for more family designs.
12 Birth Flower Tattoo Designs
Each image below is a design mockup that shows how the birth flower tattoo idea can look on the skin, so you can picture size and placement before you visit your artist.
1. January Birth Flower: Carnation
The carnation is the January birth flower and stands for love, admiration and devotion. Snowdrops, a symbol of hope, are the second January flower. Shown here on the inner forearm.
2. February Birth Flower: Violet
Violets stand for faithfulness, modesty and loyalty. Primrose, a symbol of young love, is February's other flower. Shown here on the ankle.
3. March Birth Flower: Daffodil
The daffodil is the flower of spring and new beginnings, a cheerful choice for anyone born in March. Shown here on the collarbone.
4. April Birth Flower: Daisy
Daisies stand for innocence, purity and joy. Sweet pea, a symbol of gratitude, is April's second flower. Shown here on the inner wrist.
5. May Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley stands for sweetness, humility and a return of happiness. See our lily flower tattoo guide for other lilies. Shown here on the shoulder.
6. June Birth Flower: Rose
The rose is June's birth flower and the classic symbol of love. Read our rose tattoo meaning guide. Honeysuckle is June's second flower. Shown here on the outer forearm.
7. July Birth Flower: Larkspur
Larkspur stands for an open heart and positivity. The water lily, a symbol of purity, is July's second flower. Shown here on the upper arm.
8. August Birth Flower: Gladiolus
The gladiolus stands for strength of character and integrity. The poppy, a symbol of remembrance, is August's other flower. Shown here on the lower leg (human calf muscle).
9. September Birth Flower: Aster
The aster stands for love, wisdom and faith. The morning glory, a symbol of affection, is September's second flower. Shown here on the inner forearm.
10. October Birth Flower: Marigold
Marigolds stand for warmth, creativity and remembrance. Cosmos, a symbol of harmony, is October's other flower. Shown here on the ankle.
11. November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum stands for friendship, joy and long life, and in Japan it is a symbol of the emperor. Shown here on the shoulder. See our chrysanthemum tattoo guide for more ideas.
12. December Birth Flower: Narcissus
The paperwhite narcissus stands for hope and good wishes, and holly brings protection and holiday cheer. Shown here on the collarbone. See our Christmas tattoo guide for more ideas.
Best Placements for a Birth Flower Tattoo
- Inner forearm: single stems and family bouquets.
- Wrist and ankle: small single flowers.
- Collarbone: delicate stems that follow the bone.
- Shoulder and upper arm: fuller blooms and bouquets.
- Spine and ribs: tall vertical bouquets.
Compare more spots in our tattoo placement guide.
Cost and Aftercare
In the US, a small single birth flower tattoo usually costs $80 to $200. A fine line bouquet with three to five flowers usually costs $200 to $450, and a large color piece can cost more. See our tattoo cost guide. Keep the tattoo clean, moisturize lightly and keep color out of the sun while it heals. Follow our tattoo aftercare steps, and read the US Food and Drug Administration page on tattoo safety before you book.
Tips for Designing Your Birth Flower Tattoo
- Check which flower you want: most months have two, so pick the one whose shape and meaning you like best.
- Bring real photos: artists draw flowers more accurately from reference pictures.
- Leave room to grow: plan space in a family bouquet for future children or grandchildren.
- Do not go too small: tiny petals blur, so keep each flower at least about an inch tall.
- Choose a style: fine line looks delicate, while color realism looks lush.
Choosing a Style for Your Design
- Fine line: the most popular style for single stems and bouquets.
- Watercolor: soft color washes behind the flowers. See our watercolor tattoo guide.
- Botanical illustration: detailed, vintage looking linework.
- Color realism: lifelike petals.
- Minimalist outline: simple single line flowers.
Birth Flower Tattoo Ideas for Men and Women
Women often choose fine line single stems on the wrist or ankle and family bouquets on the forearm or spine. Men often choose a bold black and grey bouquet with their children's flowers on the forearm or upper arm, or add a birth flower to a larger sleeve. Birth flowers also make thoughtful matching tattoos.
A Thoughtful Gift Idea
Planning a matching piece with your mother, sister or best friend for a milestone birthday is a lovely way to mark the day. Each person can wear their own month, or everyone can share one bouquet. Book the session together, plan the size in advance and choose an artist who loves botanical work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my birth flower?
January is carnation, February violet, March daffodil, April daisy, May lily of the valley, June rose, July larkspur, August gladiolus, September aster, October marigold, November chrysanthemum and December narcissus.
What does a birth flower tattoo mean?
It celebrates a birthday, often your own or a loved one's, and carries the meaning of the flower itself.
Can I combine several birth flowers in one tattoo?
Yes. Family bouquets that combine the flowers of children, parents or partners are one of the most popular ideas.
Where should I put a birth flower tattoo?
The inner forearm, wrist, ankle, collarbone and spine are the most popular spots.
Are the tattoos in these photos real?
No. The images are design mockups created to show how each birth flower tattoo idea can look on the skin. Use them as inspiration and ask your artist for a custom version.
About These Images
The images in this guide are digitally created design mockups, not photos of real clients. They show how each birth flower tattoo idea could look on the skin. Use them as inspiration and let a licensed artist adapt the design for you. For more floral ideas, see our flower tattoos for women and family tattoo ideas guides.
