The Birth Flower of October: Every month of the year has a flower that symbolises its spirit and character. For October, there are not one but two beautiful flowers to celebrate: the marigold and the cosmos. Each carries rich meaning, colour, and seasonal charm, making them a thoughtful choice for gifts, floral arrangements, or simply appreciating nature’s beauty as autumn deepens.
At AP Flowers, we love the stories behind flowers, and October’s birth blooms are especially inspiring for both floristry and the garden.
Marigold – The Flower of Passion and Creativity
The marigold is perhaps the better-known of October’s birth flowers. With its fiery shades of orange, red, and gold, it reflects the autumn landscape perfectly. Traditionally, marigolds symbolise warmth, passion, and creativity.
In Victorian times, marigolds were associated with the sun’s energy and used to express feelings of strong emotions and resilience. Today, they are also connected with themes of remembrance and celebration, making them meaningful flowers to include in funeral tributes as well as festive displays.
Gardeners also value marigolds for their hardiness and versatility. They are often used as companion plants, helping to deter pests naturally. For more practical advice on growing marigolds, the Royal Horticultural Society offers excellent guidance.
Cosmos – The Flower of Harmony and Balance
Balancing the marigold’s fiery tones is the gentle elegance of the cosmos. With delicate petals in shades of pink, white, and purple, cosmos flowers symbolise peace, harmony, and balance.
They are often seen as a reminder of order in the universe — hence their name, derived from the Greek word kosmos. In bouquets and arrangements, cosmos flowers bring a soft, romantic touch, making them a beautiful choice for wedding flowers in October.
Cosmos are also a favourite in cottage gardens and wildflower meadows. They thrive in sunny spots and are much loved by pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The BBC Gardening guide has tips on how to grow these charming blooms.
Colour, Meaning, and Seasonal Inspiration
Together, marigolds and cosmos offer a wonderful balance:
- Marigolds bring bold, warm, fiery tones.
- Cosmos add softness, lightness, and calm.
For florists, these two flowers make October an exciting month to design arrangements. Whether it’s a vibrant autumnal display or a soft, romantic bouquet, their seasonal symbolism provides endless inspiration.
At AP Flowers, we love incorporating October’s birth flowers into arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a thoughtful gesture to show someone you’re thinking of them.
How to Use October’s Birth Flowers in Floristry
There are many ways to make marigolds and cosmos the stars of your floral designs:
- Birthday Bouquets – Perfect for October birthdays, pairing marigolds with seasonal foliage creates a warm, autumnal gift.
- Wedding Arrangements – Cosmos flowers bring elegance and softness to bridal bouquets and centrepieces.
- Funeral Tributes – Marigolds, with their meaning of remembrance, can provide a heartfelt touch in sympathy arrangements.
- Seasonal Decorations – Both flowers can be woven into wreaths, table settings, or autumn displays to celebrate the season.
For bespoke arrangements, you can always contact us to discuss your ideas.
Growing Your Own October Flowers
If you’d like to add October’s birth flowers to your garden, here are some tips:
- Marigolds are hardy and easy to grow from seed. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
- Cosmos grow quickly and bloom for long periods, especially if you deadhead spent flowers.
Planting these blooms can bring colour and life to your garden right up until the frosts, and they’ll provide inspiration for homegrown arrangements. For more seasonal gardening advice, see The English Garden’s monthly tips.
A Florist’s Final Thought
October is a month of change — a time when the garden slows but still offers vibrant colour and inspiration. The marigold and cosmos, as birth flowers, capture this beautifully: bold warmth alongside delicate balance.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a wedding, or simply looking for seasonal inspiration, October’s flowers remind us of nature’s ability to blend contrast with harmony.
At AP Flowers, we’d be delighted to create a design featuring October’s blooms, whether for a celebration or a moment of remembrance. Get in touch via our Contact page to discuss your ideas and let us bring seasonal beauty to your flowers.