July Birth Month Flowers: Larkspur and Water Lily

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about July’s Official Birth Month Flowers – the Larkspur and Water Lily. Learn about their meaning and symbolism in the language of flowers, as well as their cultural significance around the world today.

July Birth Flowers: Larkspur

The official birth flowers for July are larkspurs. These popular ornamentals have lovely tall flower spikes, typically in pink, white, and lavender shades. Often confused with delphiniums because of their similar appearance, larkspurs (Consolida spp.) are annuals, while delphiniums (Delphiniums spp.) are perennials. However, larkspur or perennial larkspur is another common name for delphiniums.

History and Origins of Larkspur

The July birthday flower is also known as lark’s heel, lark’s toes, lark’s claw, and knight’s spur. The name larkspur refers to the shape of the flower’s spur-like petals as they resemble the claws of a lark bird. According to Greek mythology, the first larkspur plant sprouted on the land where Ajax the Great died during the famous Battle of Troy.

For years, larkspurs used to be part of the Delphinium genus until they were re-classified as Consolida in the same Ranunculus botanical family. 

Meanings and Symbolism of Larkspur Flowers

In floriography, larkspur flowers symbolize love, joy, romanticism, and positivity. The July birth flower holds numerous meanings depending on its color. 

Pink larkspur flowers are a known symbol of capriciousness and disagreement. On the other hand, white larkspurs are on the opposite side of the spectrum as they represent happiness, joy, and easygoing nature. Purple and blue larkspurs are the most common colors available. The purple flowers symbolize first love and affection, while the blue signifies grace, honor, and respect. 

Water Lily: The Other July Birth Flower

The water lily is another recognized birthday flower for July. Native to tropical and temperate regions, the plant exhibits various forms and sizes ranging from miniature species to giant water lilies. 

The History and Origins of Water Lilies

Water lilies are aquatic plants that belong to the family Nymphaeaceae. They are one of the oldest families of flowering plants, dating back to about 130 million years. They are native to various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They’re predominantly found in freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing streams.

The plants have been cultivated since Assyrian and Babylonian times, with the flowers spreading rapidly to Europe and North America during the 1800s and 1900s.

Most species are summer blooming, producing flowers from May through September. However, a handful of species are autumn blooming instead. They can bloom all year round in warm climates.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Water Lilies

Like larkspurs, water lily flowers are significant in many cultures. These long-lasting blooms are considered sacred and important religious symbols in Hinduism and Buddhism. The flowers signify rebirth and resurrection because they close at night and reopen at the crack of dawn. Since the blooms emerge from the mud, they are also a symbol of enlightenment. 

Other meanings of water lilies include purity, beauty, creation, and divine birth. 

In ancient Egypt, water lilies, specifically the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), were considered sacred and often depicted in Egyptian art, architecture, and hieroglyphics. The flowers, which open during the day and close at night, symbolize rebirth and the sun. The Egyptians also used the flowers, seeds, and tubers of this plant for medicinal purposes.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the water lily often called the lotus, holds profound spiritual significance. It symbolizes divine beauty, purity, enlightenment, and rebirth primarily because the pristine flower emerges from murky waters.

Water lilies have also significantly impacted art, most notably in the paintings of French impressionist Claude Monet. Monet’s series of Water Lilies paintings capture the beauty of these flowers on the water’s surface.

What are the Origins of July Birth Month Flowers?

The tradition of July birth flowers is thought to have originated in ancient Rome, where flowers were given as gifts to celebrate birthdays and other special events. Each month was associated with a particular flower, believed to hold specific characteristics or powers that would be imparted to people born in that month.

The specific flowers associated with each month have varied throughout history and between cultures. This practice continued into the Victorian era when the language of flowers became extremely popular.

Like many traditions, the current list of July birth month flowers that we use today has been influenced by various historical and cultural factors. It’s similar to birthstones, where each month is associated with a specific gemstone.

For more, see our in-depth guide to the Official Birth Month Flowers.

The Official Birth Flower Month Calendar:

Month:	Birth Flower:	Meanings & Symbolism:
January:	Carnations & Snowdrop	Pink Carnations (love and appreciation), White Carnations (luck, love, and affection, Red Carnations (love and friendship). Snowdrop (hope and rebirth).
February:	Violet, Iris, and Primrose	Violets (faithful love, truth, loyalty, humility), Iris (hope, faith, passion, purity, and innocence), Primrose (affection, young love, undying affection)
March:	Daffodils	Daffodils (new beginnings, faithfulness, luck, prosperity, and hope)
April:	Daisy & Sweet Pea	Daisy (purity, love, new beginnings, fertility, and motherhood). Sweet Pea (blissful pleasure, gratitude).
May:	Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn	Lily of the Valley (romance, luck, happiness, purity, humility). Hawthorn (hope, love, beauty, fertility, and supreme happiness).
June:	Roses & Honeysuckle	Roses (love, passion, romance, purity, gratitude). Honeysuckle (happiness and eternal love).
July:	Larkspur & Water Lily	Larkspur (happiness, love); Water Lily (enlightenment, resurrection, purity, beauty, creation).
August:	Gladiolus & Poppy	Gladiolus (integrity, honor, respect); Poppy (remembrance, prosperity, enchantment, sympathy).
September:	Aster & Morning Glory	Aster (faith, love, achievement, and wisdom); Morning Glory (affection, intimate love, patience).
October:	Marigolds & Cosmos	Marigolds (devotion, commitment); Cosmos (harmony, love, innocence, beauty, modesty, joy, and balance).
November:	Chrysanthemum & Peonies	Chrysanthemum (friendship, love); Peonies (romance, prosperity, good fortune, honor, and compassion)
December:	Narcissus, Poinsettia, and Holly	Narcissus (innocence and purity); Poinsettia (success, celebration); Holly (happiness and optimism).

Wrapping Up

The Larkspur and Water Lily, July’s official birth month flowers, carry a beautiful blend of symbolism and ornamental value. With Larkspur’s vibrant colors representing love and affection and the Water Lily’s serene presence symbolizing purity and enlightenment, these flowers mirror the warmth and splendor of summer.