June Birth Month Flowers: Rose and Honeysuckle

In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about June’s Official Birth Month Flowers, the Rose, and Honeysuckle. Learn about their meaning and symbolism in the language of flowers and their cultural significance around the world today.

June Birth Flowers: The Rose

Roses, otherwise dubbed as ” The Queen of Flowers,” are undoubtedly one of the most popular and loved flowers across the globe. Many colors and types are available, from single red stems to pink climbing roses.

History and Origins of Roses

According to fossil evidence, this woody flowering perennial is 35 million years old. A widely cultivated genus, Rosa has around 150 species grown throughout the world. Evidence of cultivation in China, Japan, and the rest of Central Asia dates back to around 5,000 years ago.

In Greek mythology, roses are believed to have been created by the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, from her tears and Adonis’ blood.

In Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra wanted to be associated with the smell of roses, using the flowers in public appearances and filling the bed with rose petals on her wedding night.

Meanings and Symbolism of Roses

Roses are the first flower many consider when considering gifting, especially when romance is involved. They are not known as the flower of love for nothing.

Recognized as the 15th wedding anniversary flower, a rose makes a versatile gift for many special occasions. The famed cut flower conveys varying messages depending on its color.

Red roses are perhaps the most famous expression of love, passion, and romance – the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.

White roses, on the other hand, signify humility, purity, innocence, and new beginnings. A suitable thank-you gift for a loved one or on Mother’s Day is a bouquet of pink roses, representing admiration, appreciation, and gratitude.

Like other yellow flowers, yellow roses symbolize joy and friendship, although giving them may also indicate jealousy. Orange roses are widely available, too, and they represent desire and enthusiasm.

This popular flower is also the national floral emblem of the United States.

For more, see our in-depth guide to rose flower meaning.

June Birth Flowers: The Honeysuckle:

Honeysuckle is the other birth flower for June. Though not as popular as roses, the honeysuckle flower and vine also suit bouquets and floral arrangements. The flowers have different colors, which vary from white to yellow, pink, and red. They are fragrant and attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.

History and Origins of Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a vibrant and fragrant flowering plant known for its tubular or bell-shaped flowers. The name “honeysuckle” comes from the edible sweet nectar that can be sucked from the flowers. This plant belongs to the Lonicera genus, which includes around 180 species of woody and climbing vines and shrubs.

The honeysuckle’s history and origins are as vast and diverse as the plant’s many species. Honeysuckles are native to the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

The plant’s history in Europe can be traced back to medieval times when it was often used for medicinal purposes. It was believed to have various healing properties and was used to treat various ailments such as skin problems, asthma, and even urinary disorders. Honeysuckle was also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it was, and still is, used to treat various health conditions.

Meanings and Symbolism of Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle symbolizes both love and happiness. It can be used to express the joy of a new relationship, nostalgia for days and relationships in the past, or to wish the recipient great pleasure in life. The color of the honeysuckle flower also affects its meaning.

The Druids included symbols of the honeysuckle vine in the Celtic alphabet. It represented following your own path or bringing joy and happiness to life.

In China, the honeysuckle was known as a cooling herb with the ability to remove toxins from the body and promote positive emotions.

What are the Origins of June Birth Month Flowers?

The tradition of June birth flowers is thought to have originated in ancient Rome, where flowers were given as gifts to celebrate birthdays and other special events. Each month was associated with a particular flower, believed to hold specific characteristics or powers that would be imparted to people born in that month.

The specific flowers associated with each month have varied throughout history and between cultures. This practice continued into the Victorian era when the language of flowers became extremely popular.

Like many traditions, the current list of June birth month flowers that we use today has been influenced by various historical and cultural factors. It’s similar to birthstones, where each month is associated with a specific gemstone.

For more, see our in-depth guide to the Official Birth Month Flowers.

The Official Birth Month Flower Calendar:

Month:	Birth Flower:	Meanings & Symbolism:
January:	Carnations & Snowdrop	Pink Carnations (love and appreciation), White Carnations (luck, love, and affection, Red Carnations (love and friendship). Snowdrop (hope and rebirth).
February:	Violet, Iris and Primrose	Violets (faithful love, truth, loyalty, humility), Iris (hope, faith, passion, purity, and innocence), Primrose (affection, young love, undying affection)
March:	Daffodils	Daffodils (new beginnings, faithfulness, luck, prosperity, and hope)
April:	Daisy & Sweet Pea	Daisy (purity, love, new beginnings, fertility, and motherhood). Sweet Pea (blissful pleasure, gratitude).
May:	Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn	Lily of the Valley (romance, luck, happiness, purity, humility). Hawthorn (hope, love, beauty, fertility, and supreme happiness).
June:	Roses & Honeysuckle	Roses (love, passion, romance, purity, gratitude). Honeysuckle (happiness and eternal love).
July:	Larkspur & Water Lily	Larkspur (happiness, love); Water Lily (enlightenment, resurrection, purity, beauty, creation).
August:	Gladiolus & Poppy	Gladiolus (integrity, honor, respect); Poppy (remembrance, prosperity, enchantment, sympathy).
September:	Aster & Morning Glory	Aster (faith, love, achievement, and wisdom); Morning Glory (affection, intimate love, patience).
October:	Marigolds & Cosmos	Marigolds (devotion, commitment); Cosmos (harmony, love, innocence, beauty, modesty, joy, and balance).
November:	Chrysanthemum & Peonies	Chrysanthemum (friendship, love); Peonies (romance, prosperity, good fortune, honor, and compassion)
December:	Narcissus, Poinsettia, and Holly,	Narcissus (innocence and purity); Poinsettia (success, celebration); Holly (happiness and optimism).

Wrapping Up

June’s birth flowers, the Rose and the Honeysuckle, are celebrated for their beauty, fragrances, and rich meaning and symbolism. The timeless Rose represents love, admiration, friendship, and purity, depending on its color. At the same time, the Honeysuckle signifies love and the sweetness of life.