May birth flower: lily of the valley and hawthorn

The story behind the May birth flowers

May's birth flowers are lily of the valley and hawthorn. The birth-flower lists are English and American, and May is spring there, when hawthorn hedges flower so reliably that the English simply called the blossom "may".

Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers (1884) gives lily of the valley as the return of happiness and hawthorn as hope. In France, sprigs of lily of the valley are still sold on the streets on 1 May as a good-luck gift, and it remains a favourite in bridal bouquets. Every part of lily of the valley is poisonous if eaten, so keep it away from children and pets.

In Australia both are out of step. Lily of the valley flowers in cool southern gardens in September and October, so any stems you find in May are imported and scarce. Hawthorn is rarely sold as a cut flower here, and it's treated as a weed in some districts. If you want the real thing, the kinder gift is a pot of pips to plant for spring flowers.

The better May bouquet is built from what's in season for Mother's Day. Chrysanthemums are at their natural peak and last for well over a week. Cymbidium orchids are starting, in whites and soft greens close to the colouring of lily of the valley. White lisianthus has the same clean, simple look and is still around from the autumn crop. Late dahlias are still around if you want more colour.

Gift tip: A May birthday near Mother's Day lands in florists' busiest week of the year, so order several days ahead and be flexible about exact stems.