Not only do July-born individuals get fireworks for their birthday month, they also get not one but two birth month flowers! The July birth flowers are the larkspur and the water lily. Both embody the heart and soul of summer with their effervescent beauty and deeply symbolic meanings. The larkspur, features tall, elegant spikes of colorful blooms like blue, purple, pink, and white which represent positivity, love, and an open heart. The water lily, most often seen floating on oh-so tranquil still ponds, symbolizes peace, renewal, and enlightenment. Together, these flowers capture the joy and grace of July — a summer month filled with seasonal heat, birthday celebrations, and the promise of fresh start.

Larkspurs do the best in the summer sun and provide the most cheerful colors to gardens and floral bouquets. Meanwhile, water lilies give serene energy, transforming quiet waters into scenes of unparalleled beauty. These flowers share themes of renewal and connection, which align perfectly with July’s mood. Not only does it make them thoughtful choices for celebrating July birthdays, they also mark the milestone of summer.

Larkspur: July's Official Birth Flower

The larkspur, more commonly known as Delphinium in the flower world, is celebrated for its tall spikes adorned with colorful blossoms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, and mostly seen in cooler climates, larkspurs thrive in well-drained soil and locations that receive plenty of sunshine. Their one-of-a-kind shaped petals resemble a dolphin’s body, inspiring their scientific name which comes from the Greek word “delphis.”

Larkspurs are relatively easy to grow, which makes them a favorite among rookie gardeners and floral hobbyists looking to add vertical interest and color to their landscapes. They thrive in cottage gardens and are mostly used to create stunning backdrops in floral displays. Their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies further adds to their appeal, because ecology is as important as beauty.

Historically, larkspurs have been romanticized for their versatility and significance. In gardens, they serve as dramatic focal points and in bouquets, they add a touch of height. As one of July’s official birth month flowers, larkspurs captivate with their charming appeal, making them a perennial favorite for summer celebrations.

The Meaning of Larkspur

Larkspurs are rich in symbolism, representing positivity, the strong bond of love, and an open heart. Each color variation carries its own meaning: pink symbolizes instability, white represents pure joy, and blue is tied to dignity. Together, they embody the themes of July, which is a time to re-energize and gather with loved ones.

Their tall, lively blooms often symbolize reaching for the sky, which reflects ambition and inspiration. This makes them a thoughtful addition to momentous occasions like graduations or career achievements, where they can serve as a reminder of growth and hard work. The larkspur’s presence also makes it a popular choice for weddings, where it can signify the joy and positivity of a couple’s new journey together!

In garden design, larkspurs are adored for their ability to add vertical interest and pops of color. They are often planted alongside complementary flowers like roses or daisies, creating a stunning contrast in texture and height. Artists and poets get inspiration from their beauty, often using larkspurs as symbols of love and hope in classical paintings and literature.

As far as celebrations go, larkspurs are ideal for summer weddings, birthday bouquets, and summer parties. Their ability to symbolize both love and positivity ensures they bring happiness wherever they appear. Whether displayed in a garden or given as a thoughtful gift, larkspurs carry a message of optimism.

Larkspur in Mythology

Larkspurs hold a notable place in mythology and lore. In Victorian folk tales, they conveyed feelings of an open heart and a desire for strong bonds, making them popular in romantic bouquets. Ancient cultures believed larkspurs offered protection from harm and often planted them around homes as a talisman.

One Greek myth writes of the larkspur springing from the ground where the hero Ajax fell and its shape looks just like his spear. It created a connection to bravery and honor that further ties to its symbolism. Native American legends also feature the larkspur, where they said it descended from the heavens as a gift from the gods as a representation of spiritual guidance.

In medieval Europe, larkspurs were thought to ward off evil spirits and used in rituals or as protective amulets. Across the continent, they have been associated with joy and protection, cementing their place as a cherished flower through the ages. The presence of larkspurs in myths and traditions underscores how significant they are as symbols of positivity and resilience.

Water Lily: July's Lesser-Known Birth Flower

The water lily, with its calming presence, complements the larkspur as July’s other birth month flower. Known for its broad, floating leaves and delicate, star-shaped blooms, the water lily is seen on ponds and still waters with elegance that can't be matched. Botanically classified under the family Nymphaeaceae, water lilies are native to tropical and temperate regions. 

Water lilies are spectacularly beautiful and also have the unique ability to thrive in aquatic environments. They bloom in the calmest waters, which symbolizes their resilience. Their roots anchor deeply in the mud, while their blossoms rise above the surface, creating an image of transformation and perseverance. This duality, both rooted in strength and beauty, makes them a powerful emblem of renewal and growth.

Beyond their symbolism, water lilies play a vital role in ecosystems. Their leaves provide shade, helping to regulate water temperature, while their presence supports life underwater by providing oxygen. In art and literature, water lilies are often associated with introspection and most famously depicted in Monet’s paintings.

As a birth flower, the water lily’s peaceful demeanor perfectly balances out the larkspur’s spirit. Together, they make them a meaningful choice for summer birthdays and special occasions.

The Meaning of the Water Lily

Water lilies most often symbolize peace, renewal, and enlightenment. Their ability to emerge completely pristine from murky waters represents purity and transformation in everyday life. These themes are often celebrated in literature and in spiritual traditions. Throughout many cultures, the water lily is associated with meditation (you'll definitely see images at a spa and your local yoga studio) and introspection, making it a symbol of inner peace.

These flowers are frequently depicted in art, like Monet’s famous water lily paintings to spiritual mandalas (pictured often from those who practice Buddhism and Hinduism). Their beauty is so serene that it inspires feelings of calm and balance, making them a thoughtful option for wellness or birthday gifts or even a self send because you deserve a little peace too. Water lilies remind us of the quiet strength that is found in stillness of the day to day and the beauty of renewal.

Gifts Inspired by Larkspurs and Water Lilies

Celebrate birthdays and summer events with gifts that are inspired by July's birth month flowers: larkspurs and water lilies. Consider bouquets or centerpieces featuring these flowers to bring their meanings of love, peace, and renewal to life. Watercolor prints or paintings of water lilies make elegant home decor for friends (men and women), while spa-themed gift boxes with candles, bath products, and herbal teas are wonderful ideas for a romantic partner. For family or friends who enjoy being outside in the garden, a selection of larkspur seeds or a water lily starter kit can be a beautifully thoughtful gesture.

For a more personal touch, pair larkspurs and water lilies in an arrangement to show the balance of summer energy, but with a calming aesethetic. Adding complementary accents like greenery or other seasonal flowers can enhance the overall appeal. These flowers are versatile, so they're perfect for brightening someone’s day, a summer party gift for the host, or creating a calm ambiance in any setting. Whether as a centerpiece or a gesture of appreciation, they offer a meaningful way to celebrate the beauty of July.

FAQs

What is the July birth flower?

The July birth flowers are the larkspur and the water lily. Larkspurs represent positivity and the strong bond of love, while water lilies symbolize peace and promise of restoration. Together, they capture the beautiful essence of July.

What message do larkspurs and water lilies convey?

Larkspurs convey positivity, love, and an open heart, while water lilies symbolize peace, renewal, and enlightenment. These flowers are celebrations of connection, tranquility, and transformation.

How can I use July birth flowers in a gift?

Incorporate larkspurs and water lilies into floral arrangements for July birthdays or your summer events. Serene-themed gift boxes and home decor featuring these flowers in images are also gorgeous options!