February Birth Flower - Iris & Violet
The elegant, meaningful blooms symbolizing faith, hope, wisdom, and loyalty
About February's Birth Flowers
February is blessed with two beautiful birth flowers: the elegant Iris with its striking form and rich colors, and the delicate Violet with its heart-shaped leaves and charming purple blooms.
Iris (Iris germanica and other species) is a distinctive flower known for its unique structure with three upright petals (standards) and three drooping petals (falls). Available in a rainbow of colors, the iris has been cultivated for thousands of years and holds deep symbolic meaning across many cultures. The name "iris" comes from the Greek word for rainbow, reflecting the flower's diverse color palette.
Violet (Viola species) is a small, delicate flower that often blooms in late winter, bringing color to the garden when few other plants are flowering. With heart-shaped leaves and typically purple blooms (though they come in other colors too), violets have been cherished for their sweet fragrance and modest beauty. Despite their delicate appearance, violets are surprisingly resilient and have been used in medicine, perfumery, and cuisine throughout history.
Iris & Violet Properties
Physical Properties
- Scientific Name: Iris: Iris germanica and other species / Violet: Viola species
- Color: Iris: Various (purple, blue, yellow, white) / Violet: Purple, blue, white, yellow
- Bloom Season: Iris: Spring to early summer / Violet: Late winter to spring
- Growth Habit: Iris: Upright with rhizomatous roots / Violet: Low-growing, often spreading
- Fragrance: Iris: Subtle, sweet / Violet: Sweet, distinctive
Symbolic Meaning
- Faith: Iris represents faith and hope
- Wisdom: Iris symbolizes wisdom and valor
- Loyalty: Both flowers represent loyalty and faithfulness
- Modesty: Violets are traditional symbols of modesty and humility
- Devotion: Violets represent devotion and faithfulness in love
- Courage: Iris symbolizes courage and admiration
Growing Conditions
- Iris Light: Full sun to light shade
- Iris Soil: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil
- Iris Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 (varies by species)
- Violet Light: Partial to full shade
- Violet Soil: Moist, humus-rich soil
- Violet Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 (varies by species)
Care & Maintenance
- Iris: Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil
- Iris: Ensure rhizomes are partially exposed above soil level
- Iris: Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Violet: Plant in partial to full shade
- Violet: Prefer consistently moist, humus-rich soil
- Violet: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms
The Rich History of February's Birth Flowers
The Iris has a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, where it was named after the goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods and personification of the rainbow. The three upright petals of the iris are said to symbolize faith, valor, and wisdom. The flower was so revered that the ancient Greeks would plant iris on the graves of women, believing the flower would guide their souls to the afterlife.
In ancient Egypt, the iris was a symbol of power and majesty, often appearing in royal iconography and associated with the pharaohs. The flower was also highly regarded in medieval Europe, where it became the inspiration for the fleur-de-lis, a stylized lily that became a symbol associated with French royalty and appears on countless coats of arms and flags.
Violets have been cherished since ancient times, with the Greeks using them in love potions and considering them a symbol of fertility and love. The ancient Athenians used violets as a symbol of their city and valued the flower for its supposed ability to moderate anger and strengthen the heart. In ancient Rome, violets were used to make wine and were believed to prevent dizziness and headaches.
During the Victorian era, violets took on special significance in the language of flowers, representing modesty, faithfulness, and virtue. Giving someone violets meant "I'll always be true" and they were often exchanged between lovers as tokens of affection. Napoleon Bonaparte was particularly fond of violets, adopting them as his signature flower, and they became associated with his return from exile. His supporters would wear violets as a secret sign of loyalty during his exile, and he became known as "Corporal Violet."
Iris & Violet Varieties
Both Iris and Violet come in several varieties, each with its own unique characteristics:
Iris germanica (Bearded Iris)
The most common garden iris, featuring distinctive "beards" on the falls (downward petals). They come in a wide range of colors and have a sweet fragrance.
Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)
More delicate than bearded iris, with slender stems and smaller flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white. They prefer moist conditions and are excellent for waterside plantings.
Iris reticulata (Dwarf Iris)
Small, early-blooming iris that grow from bulbs rather than rhizomes. They produce vibrant flowers in late winter to early spring and are perfect for rock gardens.
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)
The classic violet with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant purple flowers. This species has been cultivated for centuries for its sweet scent and is used in perfumery.
Viola tricolor (Johnny Jump Up)
A charming small-flowered violet with multi-colored blooms, typically purple, yellow, and white. They self-seed readily and are popular in cottage gardens.
Viola cornuta (Horned Violet)
Also known as tufted pansies, these plants produce abundant flowers over a long season and are more heat-tolerant than many other violets.
Fascinating Facts About February's Birth Flowers
Fact #1
The iris gets its name from the Greek word for rainbow, reflecting the wide range of colors found in these flowers.
Fact #2
Iris roots (rhizomes) have been used medicinally and in perfumery for centuries. Dried iris rhizomes, known as orris root, are used as a fixative in perfumes and have a scent similar to violets.
Fact #3
The fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris, has been used in heraldry for centuries and is particularly associated with French royalty.
Fact #4
Violets contain a compound called ionone, which temporarily desensitizes the sense of smell. After smelling violets, you may not be able to detect their scent again for a short time.
Fact #5
Violets are edible flowers and have been used in cooking for centuries. They can be crystallized for cake decorations, made into syrups, or added to salads.
Fact #6
Napoleon Bonaparte was known as "Corporal Violet" to his supporters, and the violet became a symbol of his return from exile. He was often portrayed with violets in paintings.
Uses of February's Birth Flowers
Both Iris and Violet have been used in various ways throughout history, from decorative to medicinal purposes:
Iris Uses
- Ornamental: Irises are popular garden plants and cut flowers, valued for their striking form and wide range of colors.
- Perfumery: Dried iris rhizomes (orris root) have been used in perfumery for centuries as a fixative and for their violet-like scent. Orris root is one of the most expensive natural perfume ingredients.
- Medicinal: In traditional medicine, various parts of the iris plant have been used to treat skin infections, soothe coughs, and as a purgative, though caution is needed as some parts can be toxic.
- Artistic: The iris has been a favorite subject in art, most famously in Vincent van Gogh's series of iris paintings.
Violet Uses
- Culinary: Violet flowers and leaves are edible and have been used in salads, to make syrups and jellies, and as decorative elements in desserts. Candied violets have been a popular confection since Victorian times.
- Perfumery: Violet fragrance has been used in perfumery for centuries, though most modern violet scents are synthetic as the natural scent is difficult to extract.
- Medicinal: Violets have been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory issues like coughs and bronchitis. They contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Cosmetic: Violet extract is used in skincare products for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for sensitive skin.
Cultural Significance
- The iris is the national flower of France, and the fleur-de-lis (stylized iris) appears on the flags and emblems of many countries, cities, and organizations.
- In Japan, the iris is associated with warriors and masculine qualities due to its sword-like leaves.
- Ancient Greeks planted violets around the tombs of their deceased loved ones as they believed violets represented delicacy and modesty.
- In the Victorian language of flowers, violets symbolized faithfulness, modesty, and affection, while the iris represented faith, wisdom, and valor.
- Athens, the capital of ancient Greece, used the violet as its symbol, and citizens would wear crowns of violets during certain festivals.
Connection to February's Birthstone
February's birth flowers share interesting connections with its birthstone, the amethyst:
February's birth flower (Iris) and birthstone (Amethyst) share a royal purple color that has been associated with nobility and wisdom throughout history.
The violet's association with faithfulness and devotion complements the amethyst's symbolism of clarity of thought and sincerity.
Both February's birth flowers and birthstone have been valued for their beauty and symbolic meanings across various cultures for centuries.
Like the protective qualities attributed to amethyst, iris plants have been used in various cultures for protection and purification.
Free Birthstone Chart
Looking for a quick reference to all birthstones? Download our free printable birthstone chart featuring all 12 months and their corresponding gemstones.
Get Your Free Birthstone Chart