If you’re born in the last weeks of spring, from May 21 to June 20, you’re lucky enough to be a Gemini. And while you probably know twins represent this zodiac sign, have you ever wondered what is the Gemini birth flower?
Not only is Gemini represented by the twins, but this zodiac sign also has two birth flowers it can call its own. The first Gemini birth flower is the fragrant and elegant lavender, and the second is the alluring lily of the valley. Keep reading to learn more about these flowers and their meanings.
First Gemini Birth Flower: Lavender
When you think of Gemini, you might as well think of lavender! That’s because this light purple flower is the major Gemini zodiac flower. This makes sense when you consider that many types of lavender come into bloom just as Geminis celebrate their birthdays.
When you first look at gentle lavender stems blowing in the breeze, it can be difficult to see how these flowers relate to Gemini’s charismatic and outgoing nature. But when you inspect this relationship a bit more closely, you’ll see that both the zodiac sign and flower have characteristics that allow them to get along with just about anybody. Whether it’s an alluring fragrance or a well-timed remark, both Geminis and lavender flowers know how to break the ice.
Lavender Symbolism
You know how you may spritz your pillow with a lavender essential oil or hang a bundle of dried lavender to calm your nerves? Well, that tranquil effect strongly ties in with lavender symbolism.
This lovely flower relates to all things calm and serene. This symbolism likely relates to the calming compounds present in lavender, which people use to relieve anxiety and reduce stress. However, this meaning may also be an ode to the peaceful feeling you get when you gaze upon a lavender-cloaked hillside. Regardless of the origin, there’s no doubt that lavender brings about feelings of relaxation.
Along with being a symbol of tranquility, lavender symbolizes purity. It’s difficult to say exactly how this meaning originated, but it likely relates to lavender’s antibacterial properties. Although some medical professionals currently doubt the effectiveness of lavender in treating bacterial infections, people have used lavender oil for years to diminish harmful bacteria. In other words, they’ve used lavender as a purifier.
Finally, the lavender flower’s purple color makes it a symbol of luxury and elegance. If you want a simple yet refined bouquet, just tie a bundle of lavender stems with a piece of beautiful twine.
Types of Lavender
That’s right, there’s more than one type of lavender! While all types of lavender display purple flowers and fragrant foliage, each variety has a unique scent and grows best in a specific environment. If you’re not sure which type of lavender to order for your garden or home, check out these popular varieties.
English Lavender
If you’re looking for a type of lavender to brighten baked goods and add a pleasant aroma to your home, English lavender is your best bet. This species produces a floral and sweet fragrance that’s much less woodsy than other varieties, so it’s the go-to for herbal and culinary applications. English lavender is also cold-hardy down to USDA zone four or five, so it’s the best choice for cooler climates.
French Lavender
While English lavender has a more intense fragrance, French lavender flowers bloom longer, making them a good choice if you’re mainly concerned about aesthetics. French varieties feature deeply lobed leaves and are best suited to warmer climates.
Spanish Lavender
Another European country, another type of lavender! Spanish lavender prefers warm or hot temperatures, so don’t plant it unless you live in zone eight or above. Its fragrance features woody and musky notes rather than a strongly floral scent. Spanish lavender flowers are often short but feature two large modified leaves that inspire the nickname “rabbit ears.”
Growing Lavender at Home
If you want to try to grow lavender at home, go for it! But keep a few important tips in mind.
All types of lavender prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Although they can tolerate a fair amount of drought, they hate sitting in water. So keep them away from wet and low-lying areas.
Since there are so many different types of lavender, choose the type that’s best for your area. Along with keeping temperature in mind, think about how large the plants will grow. Some types of lavender are well-suited for container growing, while others will be happiest sprawling out on vast hillsides.
Second Gemini Birth Flower: Lily of the Valley
Not a big fan of lavender? Well, perhaps you’ll prefer the second Gemini zodiac flower: lily of the valley. This perennial plant features dark green leaves and clusters of tiny, white, bell-shaped blooms that fill the air with a strong, floral fragrance. The plants aren’t true lilies, but rather members of the asparagus family. It’s also one of the May birth flowers.
This lovely garden plant shares a few things in common with the classic Gemini. Both aren’t afraid to let their personalities show, whether that means being loud and proud with their words or sending out a strong fragrance into the world. Second, both have a little bit of an intoxicating nature. If you’ve ever experienced a Gemini’s witty banter or the lily of the valley’s perfume scent, you know what we’re talking about. Third, both can quickly fill a space with their big personalities and spreading rhizomes.
Lily of the Valley Symbolism
The lily of the valley has some of the same meanings as lavender, but it also features a lot of unique symbolism. Just like lavender, lily of the valley symbolizes purity. But rather than drawing this meaning from antiseptic properties, this flower’s pure nature relates to its white flowers.
Lily of the valley flowers also relate to happiness, joy, and good luck. As such, people associate them with many festivals and events, including May Day. On the first day of May, many people exchange small lily of the valley stems to wish each other good fortune in the warmer months ahead. Some people say this tradition started when King Charles IX received this flower as a token of good luck.
Although these flowers are gorgeous, they have a bit of a dark side. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds that can lead to heart problems and even death. Therefore, keep the plants away from curious pets and children.
Learn More About Zodiac Flowers
Did you know there are flowers for every zodiac sign? Whether you’re looking to learn which bouquet is the best option for your Libra BFF or are interested in discovering more about Taurus birth flowers, we’ve got you covered. By the time you’re done reading about the blooms for each sign, you’ll have a better idea of which arrangements to order for a birthday flower delivery.
Shop All
