7 Capricorn Zodiac and Birth Flowers (and How to Grow Each One)

Pink Clover Florist names ivy alongside pansy for Capricorn, linking its steady climb to the sign. In Kate Greenaway’s *Language of Flowers*, ivy means “fidelity.” A sprig can express a lasting commitment.

For English ivy indoors, Clemson Cooperative Extension advises bright light away from direct sun. Water thoroughly, then wait until the top half-inch of soil dries.

Keep the pot inside rather than planting it near natural areas. NC State Extension warns that English ivy is invasive in many U.S. regions. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats, dogs and horses.

Best for: Someone who wants a fidelity-themed indoor plant and has no pets that could reach it.

Teleflora names African violet as its flower for Capricorn. It’s a compact, year-round houseplant, and the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Set the pot where it gets bright, indirect light. Iowa State University Extension advises keeping the soil evenly moist while avoiding wet leaves. Check the soil by hand instead of watering on a fixed schedule.

Best for: Someone with cats or dogs who wants a compact, year-round houseplant for bright, indirect light.

For a birthday in January, a carnation belongs on the list for a different reason. The University of California Cooperative Extension names it January’s birth flower and gives its meanings as love, distinction and fascination.

For a cut bouquet, Utah State University Extension reports a vase life of 9 to 28 days when blooms are properly stored. To grow carnations, give them full to part sun and well-drained soil. NC State Extension has plant details to check against the garden.

Before sending a bouquet, ask about pets. The ASPCA lists carnations as toxic to cats and dogs.

Best for: Someone celebrating a January birthday who wants a long-lasting bouquet and has no pets that could reach it.

Before cutting a sprig, ask whether pets can reach it. The ASPCA lists American holly as toxic to cats and dogs.

FTD and the Society of American Florists name holly alongside narcissus as a December birth flower. That gives a December birthday arrangement a choice beyond blooms.

Growing American holly instead of cutting it? Choose sun to part shade outdoors. Clemson Cooperative Extension says fruiting is best in sun. Check the yard’s light if berries are the goal.

Best for: Someone planning a December arrangement or sunny garden planting where cats and dogs cannot reach holly.

A paperwhite bulb needs no chilling before it grows indoors. Penn State Extension says to set the bulbs close together without letting them touch, in a pot 3 to 5 inches deep. Put the pot somewhere cool and sunny.

FTD names narcissus as a December birth flower. With a paperwhite, the recipient can watch a bloom open rather than receive stems already cut at the shop.

Check the household first. The ASPCA’s daffodil listing includes paperwhite and marks it toxic to cats and dogs.

Best for: Someone with a December birthday, a cool sunny spot and no pets that could reach the bulbs.

If a pet could reach the plant, choose another centerpiece. The ASPCA lists poinsettia as toxic to cats and dogs, with irritation usually mild.

ProFlowers suggests it as a winter gift for Capricorn. That makes it a seasonal pick from a florist’s guide.

Keep the plant indoors in bright light. For outdoor planting in a frost-free area, University of Florida IFAS Extension advises full to part sun after the danger of frost has passed. A warm afternoon alone isn’t the signal to move it outside.

Best for: Someone seeking a bright winter centerpiece in a home where cats and dogs cannot reach it.

For a cool-season window box, 1-800-Flowers names the pansy as Capricorn’s flower, and the Missouri Botanical Garden describes how to grow it as a cool-season plant.

Plant pansies in fall after the weather cools. Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends sun to part sun. Leave 6 to 8 inches between small-flowered types, or 10 to 12 inches between large-flowered ones.

Missouri Botanical Garden advises winter mulch and removing the plants when summer heat arrives. For a home with cats or dogs, the ASPCA describes pansies as non-toxic.

For a Capricorn zodiac flower meaning, Kate Greenaway’s flower guide gives ivy “fidelity,” while the University of California gives January’s carnation “love,” “distinction” and “fascination.” For a Capricorn zodiac flower tattoo, a pansy paired with the sea-goat symbol can show both the sign and the florist’s pick.

Best for: Someone wanting a cool-season container or garden border with a flower the ASPCA describes as non-toxic to pets.