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Ideas

Birth Flower Tattoo Ideas

A birth flower tattoo is a small, personal way to carry a month with you, whether it is your own birthday or that of someone you love.

How to choose yours

Start with the person it is for. One flower for yourself is simple and timeless, while a small bouquet can hold a whole family, with one flower for each birth month. Then think about shape: tall flowers follow the line of an arm, and round flowers work well as a single bloom.

Bring a real reference to your tattoo artist, because the details that make a flower recognizable can be hard to keep at a very small size.

Ideas by month

January: Carnation & Snowdrop

Carnations suit a full, ruffled bloom. A snowdrop works well as a fine-line stem on the wrist or ankle.

February: Violet & Primrose

Violets work beautifully small: a single bloom with one heart-shaped leaf, behind the ear or on the wrist.

March: Daffodil & Jonquil

A daffodil's trumpet shape stands out even at a small size, and it looks lovely as a single rising stem.

April: Daisy & Sweet Pea

Daisies are a classic fine-line tattoo. A small chain of them also works well around the wrist or ankle.

May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

The arching stem and row of bells suit a delicate line tattoo along the collarbone or forearm.

June: Rose & Honeysuckle

Roses can be bold or fine-line. A single stem with a little honeysuckle winding around it makes both June flowers one design.

July: Larkspur & Water Lily

A larkspur spire is naturally long and slim, which makes it a good fit for the forearm or spine.

August: Gladiolus & Poppy

The tall stem of a gladiolus suits the forearm, while a single poppy works well as a small splash of color.

September: Aster & Morning Glory

The star-like petals of an aster stay crisp in a small design, and a morning glory vine makes a graceful line.

October: Marigold & Cosmos

A marigold's layered petals suit a rich, detailed bloom. Cosmos are better for a light, airy line.

November: Chrysanthemum

The layered petals of a chrysanthemum make a striking larger piece, and it is a classic in Japanese tattoo art.

December: Narcissus & Holly

Paperwhites suit a fine, airy line, and a small sprig of holly adds a touch of deep red.

Questions

What does a birth flower tattoo mean?

It usually marks a birth month, either your own or that of someone you love. Many people choose one for a child, a parent, or a partner, and some choose it in memory of someone.

Can I combine birth flowers in one tattoo?

Yes. A small bouquet is a popular way to bring a family together, with one flower for each person's birth month.

Where do birth flower tattoos look best?

Long, slim flowers such as larkspur or gladiolus suit the forearm or spine. Round blooms such as roses or carnations sit well on the shoulder or upper arm. Single small flowers suit the wrist, ankle, or behind the ear.

A year of flowers
Carnation, the January birth flowerCarnationJanuaryViolet, the February birth flowerVioletFebruaryDaffodil, the March birth flowerDaffodilMarchDaisy, the April birth flowerDaisyAprilLily of the Valley, the May birth flowerLily of the ValleyMayRose, the June birth flowerRoseJuneLarkspur, the July birth flowerLarkspurJulyGladiolus, the August birth flowerGladiolusAugustAster, the September birth flowerAsterSeptemberMarigold, the October birth flowerMarigoldOctoberChrysanthemum, the November birth flowerChrysanthemumNovemberNarcissus, the December birth flowerNarcissusDecember