Do you know what the May birth flower is?
Just like birthstones, there are birth month flowers for every month of the year. Birth month flowers are usually in season during their specific month, so they should be easy to find in florists and mixed bouquets – making them perfect for a really thoughtful gift, or just a treat for yourself!
If your birthday is in May, or if you’d like to buy a personalised gift for a loved one with a May birthday, read on to find about more about the May birth flower and it’s symbolism.

May birth flower: Hawthorn
Usually a major feature in English hedgerows at this time of year, hawthorn isn’t a flower you would traditionally associate with gifting. However a few small sprigs make a lovely addition to an informal bouquet or a table centrepiece.
Hawthorn symbolises hope and great happiness, and signifies that you want the very best for the recipient. I bet it pops up in wedding flowers quite a lot!

May birth flower: Lily of the Valley
A very ‘old-fashioned’ flower, but no less beautiful for it. Lily of the valley looks wonderful as part of a mixed bouquet, but I think it’s at it’s best in a little posy on it’s own. It symbolises sweetness, humility and purity of heart; I’m starting to spot a pattern here, with white flowers being all about purity.
Lily of the valley is also a great choice for a loved one, as it conveys the message ‘you’ve made my life complete’.
What do you think about this month’s birth flower meanings – do you agree? Or do these flowers hold a different meaning for you?
More birth month flowers
If you’d like to learn more about the origins of birth month flowers, this post covers the history of the concept. It also has links to the birth month flowers for every month of the year.
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I am a May baby and I love Lily of the valley – we have some in a shady spot of the garden. My daughter loves them too 😉 Love this series!
They’re so pretty aren’t they – and great for tricky shady areas. I think I need some for my daughter too 😉
I love both these flowers. I definitely feel they relate to purity. I buy white roses often. We were married in May it’s a beautiful time of year #britmums
May is my favourite month nature-wise, everything is so fresh and raring to grow – great time for a wedding!
Lily of the Valley’s are so pretty! And I love how adaptable they are to every condition 🙂
Yes I’ve just planted some in our garden and didn’t realise they can cope with pretty much any spot!
What a beautiful idea and smashing photos 🙂
I’m finding writing this series fascinating – it is making me want to buy lots of lovely flowers though!