March is the month that marks the beginning of Spring on the 19th, and we should be seeing a few of March’s joyful blooms popping up in gardens by the end of the month! Daffodils and jonquils are March’s official birth month flowers and as some of the first plants to bloom in early spring, are symbols of hope and rebirth: a feeling we are all experiencing as the winter lifts.
Daffodils and jonquils share many of the same characteristics and meaning, leaving many confused by the difference between them! Both are a part of the genus Narcissus, with yellow daffodils known as Narcissus pseudonarcissus while jonquils are known as Narcissus jonquilla. The easiest way to tell the difference between them is that daffodils produce one bloom per stem, while jonquil produce multiple per stem (up to three)! Daffodils also have a trumpet-shaped flower with six petals and a little frill at the edge of their crown, while jonquils tend to have rounder petals and flatter leaves. Like all flowers in the Narcissus gene, jonquils are often referred to as daffodils, however daffodils are not known as jonquils.
Keep reading to learn more about the meaning and symbolism of March’s birth month flowers and what they hold for you this spring!
Daffodil
As one of the first flowers to pop up in gardens in early spring, daffodils primarily symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. Because of the timing in which they bloom, they are often associated with Easter and hope as they mark the beginning of spring and end of a long, dark winter. Though there is speculation as to where they received their name, it is thought that it derived from the Old English word “affodyle,” translating to “that which comes early” or “early corner:” the perfect tribute to spring.
Thought to bring happiness and good luck to those that receive them, their signature yellow colour represents joy and cheer, like little pockets of sunshine during a time when the world is coming to life once again. While daffodils look quite delicate, they’re a hardy flower. These bulbs are planted in fall before the first frost and need that period of cold to develop roots: making them symbols of resilience and the beautiful things that grow even through difficult times. Along with these symbolic meanings, they are also known to give a burst of creativity, energy, and vitality, along with forgiveness.
Jonquil
Because they fall under the same genus, jonquils share much of their symbolic associations, mythological background, meanings, and history with daffodils, so much of which was mentioned above also applies to this early spring bloom! Like their fellow flower in the March birth month flower bouquet, they are most commonly known as symbols of rebirth and new beginnings.
Along with these hopeful associations, jonquils bring promises of creativity and success during a time of year that is known for its abundance and growth, mirroring the natural world around them. In addition, jonquils express a desire that affections will be reciprocated along with forgiveness.
Both of these blooms are perfect for dreamers and imaginative March babies! If you or someone you know was born in March, my watercolour painting of these two flowers is available as fine art prints and greeting cards. Happy blooming!
