Petunia, a birthday flower of May 18th

Petunia are one of the birthday flowers of May 18th annually. They are also a birthday flower of July 22nd, September 25th and October 30th. In Japan, they are admired for their vivid colors, long blooming season, and ability to thrive even in urban environments.

In Japan, petunias typically bloom from late April through October, reaching their peak in the warm months of June through August. Their resilience and extended flowering period make them a popular choice for balconies, public flowerbeds, and school gardens across the country. Many municipalities use them in “flower road” projects. The city of Naha in Okinawa, for example, has featured petunias in public planting campaigns because of their heat tolerance. Additionally, Japanese horticulturalists have developed unique petunia varieties, including striped and ruffled hybrids that are now exported worldwide.

In hanakotoba, the Japanese language of flowers, petunias carry the meanings “your presence soothes me,” which is also the meaning in the Western language of flowers. But in Japanese it also carries the meanings of “gentle love,” and “calmness” too. These associations reflect the plant’s soft, welcoming appearance and its role as a comforting presence in everyday spaces.