If you’re on the hunt for a birthday gift this May, you’re in luck. Each birth month has its own official flower, and May’s flower is among the most beautiful, affordable, and low-maintenance of all. These sweet, fragrant flower sprouts, which are technically in the asparagus family, create a color palette that’s perfect for a springtime birthday celebration.

Choose a Traditional & Timeless Beauty

The lily of the valley, which symbolizes humility and sweetness, is a traditional May birthday gift that dates back to the Roman Empire.  Unlike the large, trumpet-petalled Easter lilies in abundance the previous month, this particular lily has a distinctive pure white color, dainty size, and bell-shaped curves. Up to a dozen bulbs share each stem with a pair of bright, deep green leaves that complement May’s birth stone, the emerald.

You can also count on the timeless appeal of lilies. People have used them to celebrate important springtime occasions throughout human history. They’re the Finnish national flower, they expressed romantic connections and intimacy in the reserved, Victorian love languages, and iconic brides Kate Middleton and Grace Kelly both chose lilies for their bridal bouquets.  Because they resemble tears falling delicately to Earth, religious parables have also linked them to female figures that include Maia, Eve and Mary.

 Celebrate the Arrival of Happiness

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the lily of the valley symbolizes a return to joy.  That’s because they typically begin to bloom in early May, when spring is finally in full swing and summer awaits, perched on the horizon with promises of sunshine, freedom and time spent with loved ones. Even the scientific name, Convallaria majalis, stems from the Latin term for the month of May.  No matter how old she is, lilies help you remind the birthday girl that she brought joy to the world with her May arrival, too.

Give a Gift that Lasts

While perennial flowers get some of their special charm from their ephemeral, fleeting nature, lilies are actually surprisingly hardy choices. Whether you’re choosing a fresh-cut arrangement such as bouquets from Nanz & Kraft Florists, or a potted plant that they can re-plant outside, you’ll be giving the gift that keeps giving. Lilies thrive in

If your loved one has pets, don’t forget to remind them that most lilies, including the lily of the valley and the Easter lily, are toxic to dogs and cats. You should also suggest keeping them in a moist and shady area; Better Homes and Gardens cautions that sunny and dry conditions will brown out these gorgeous natural bells.