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.
The rose’s blooming schedule, symbolic richness, historical significance, and enduring popularity all contribute to its role as a birth flower for June. It serves as a lovely symbol for those born in this month, representing love, beauty, and the full bloom of summer.
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.
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.
Color plays a significant role in honeysuckle symbolism as well:
- White honeysuckle flowers represent innocence and purity, making the white honeysuckle flower ideal for expressing pure love that is untainted by the ways of the world.
- Yellow honeysuckle flowers represent friendship, trust, and respect, making the yellow honeysuckle flower the perfect gift for someone you love and affection on a spiritual level.
- Pink honeysuckle flowers represent playfulness and romance, along with sensitivity and innocence. This makes the pink honeysuckle flower the ideal gift for those you love.
- Red honeysuckle flowers represent passion and romance, making the red honeysuckle flower an excellent gift for the love of your life.
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.
For the French, honeysuckle represented love, fidelity, and devotion.
Other Popular In-Season June Flowers
There are lots of beautiful flowers that also bloom in June, so you have plenty of choices for gifting if you don’t want to opt for a birthday flower for the month:
Peonies
Peonies are sun-loving perennials that gained popularity because of their attractive blooms. Their flowers are large and fragrant and come in various colors and types. The double-type peonies, in particular, make excellent cut flowers.
Lilies
Lilies, popular for bouquets and floral arrangements, are recognized as the 30th Anniversary flower. Water lilies are also the official July birth flower. The lovely flowers bloom just in time for summer and hold several meanings. Generally, lilies are a symbol of devotion, purity, and humility. They also symbolize motherhood, rebirth, and good luck.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums or mums are one of the best gifting flowers since they suit various occasions. Known as the birth flower for November, these blooms signify many positive emotions. They symbolize happiness, loyalty, cheerfulness, joy, and love.
Why Are There Two Birth Month Flowers in June?
June is represented by two birth flowers: the Rose and Honeysuckle. While there isn’t a single reason why some months have more than one birth flower, several factors contribute to this phenomenon.
The most common likely reason for two birth month flowers in June can be attributed to folklore and cultural variances across regions and countries over time. Various traditions of assigning flowers to birth months have developed. These traditions can depend on the local climate, which influences what flowers bloom during a particular month, as well as local folklore and customs.
Moreover, different flowers carry different meanings in the language of flowers, a symbolic system that was particularly popular during the Victorian era. Two flowers for one month allow for a richer range of symbolic expressions.
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. For example, some cultures in the Middle Ages used the symbolic language of flowers, called floriography, to communicate coded messages based on the type and color of the flower given. This practice continued into the Victorian era when the language of flowers became extremely popular and complex.
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.
For the best local florists curating beautiful June birth flower arrangements, see our local guides to flower delivery in Los Angeles, Chicago, and NYC and the best nationwide flower delivery services.
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). |
June Birth Month Flowers FAQs:
What are the birth flowers for June?
The birth flowers for June are the Rose and the Honeysuckle.
What does honeysuckle symbolize?
Honeysuckle symbolizes the bonds of love and the sweetness of life. It is also associated with feelings of generosity and giving.
What do roses symbolize?
Roses carry different meanings depending on their color. Red roses symbolize love and romance, pink roses symbolize gratitude and admiration, yellow roses symbolize friendship, and white roses symbolize purity and innocence.
Can I give roses or honeysuckle as birthday gifts in June?
Roses are classical gifts, and your chosen color can convey different meanings. With its sweet fragrance and symbolism of love and generosity, Honeysuckle can also make for a thoughtful gift.
Are there any superstitions or traditions associated with roses and honeysuckle?
In ancient Rome, roses were often used on festive occasions and symbolized confidentiality. Honeysuckle, in folklore, is believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits.
What are other names for these flowers?
Roses belong to the Rosa genus, with over 300 species, each with their own name. Honeysuckle is also known as Woodbine, and its botanical name is Lonicera.
June Birth Month Flowers – 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.
For more, see our guide to the best birthday messages and quotes to share with friends, family, and loved ones.