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What Are the July Month Birth Flowers?

Two equally exquisite flowers - the larkspur and the water lily - reperent this month. What's your favorite?

By: THURSD. | 02-07-2025 | 8 min read
Annual Flowers Special Days
July Month Birth Flower

Together, these two July birth flowers capture the duality of the month—energetic zeal and composed mindfulness, reflecting the personality traits of those born under the Cancer zodiac sign.

Whether in a garden or a balcony water feature, larkspur and water lilies infuse July with their beauty and symbolism.

The July Birth Flower Duo - Larkspur and Water Lily

The duo of larkspur and water lily as the July birth flower graces midsummer with elegance. Larkspur, a member of the buttercup family, stands tall with spikes of flowers.

 

Larkspur belong to the buttercup family and is also considered a birth flower for individuals with July birthday
Larkspur, a.k.a. Delphinium by @Jill Amadei

 

Often found in mixed borders, this perennial species, a classic cottage garden plant, is known for its showily dressed party guest appearance. Conversely, the water lily, from the Nymphaeaceae family, enhances aquatic ecosystems.

Glowing serenely on the water's surface, its teacup-sized flowers, likened to a tea tray with ribbed leaves, bring elegance and calm to July.

The Historical & Cultural Significance of Larkspur and Water Lily

The larkspur and water lily hold deep-rooted significance across various cultures. Larkspur, also known as Delphinium, has a rich historical background. In Greek mythology, larkspur was linked to dolphins believed to carry souls to the 'Elysian Fields', leading to names like lark's claw and dolphin's nose. Its colors signified bravery in Europe, and in Victorian England, it symbolized levity. Native Americans used it medicinally, while European folklore believed it warded off evil spirits.

 

Pink water lily
Pink water lilies by @nymphaea.ua

 

The water lily, thriving in tropical and temperate regions, symbolizes purity. In ancient Egypt, it was linked to the Sun God Ra. In Hinduism, often called the Indian lotus, it signifies spiritual awakening, associated with deities like Brahma. In Buddhism, it represents wisdom, rising immaculately from muddy waters. These birth month flowers, celebrated across many cultures, highlight their enduring appeal and the boundless beauty they bring to July.

 

Lady holding bunch of larkspur flower - July birth flower
Picture by @winnie.junefloral

 

The Origins and Legends of Larkspur's Rich History

Member of the buttercup family, the larkspur stretches its flower lore from Ancient Greece, where its spur resembled a dolphin's nose (delphis), to South America, whose shamans brewed petals as a protective wash against evil spirits. Shakespeare name-checked the spike in The Winter's Tale; Elizabethans hung dried stems above doorways to keep different evil spirits at bay, while the modern growers and breeders still prove the lineage is still evolving.

 

Larkspur bouquet for gifting - July birth month flower
Picture by @pittsfordflorist

 

Symbolic Meaning of the Larkspur

Traditionally, larkspur symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment, making it a popular choice for romantic bouquets. Larkspur signifies love, positivity, and new beginnings, embodying the essence of strong feelings and the spirited nature of July-born individuals. Its enchanting hues and towering stature emphasize the expression of intense emotions.

 

Showcasing Larkspur July month birth  flower
Picture by @mjvhovelltwesterflier

 

Color Symbolism of Larkspur

In floral symbolism, each color of the larkspur narrates a unique sentiment.

 

A florist covered with delphinium a June birth flower
Picture by @velvetandtwine

 

The Serenity of July Flower of the Month #2: Water Lily

Water lilies thrive in tropical and subtropical freshwater habitats. These beautiful flowers float on the water's surface, creating a harmonious ecosystem. Water lily flowers, including the hardy water lilies and tropical varieties, flower from late spring to early fall. Notable varieties include the Giant Victoria Amazonica, with tea-tray-like flowers, and the blue water lily (Nymphaea caerulea).

 

Water lily bouquet for gifting - July month birth flower
Picture by @the_happy_horticulturist

 

The Symbolism Behind the Water Lily

As a July birth month flower, the water lily symbolizes purity and tranquility. These flowers are seen as symbols of rebirth and optimism, emerging beautifully clean from muddy water. In Chinese culture, poets view the plant as a lesson in how to symbolize purity while growing through chaos. In Buddhism, they signify wisdom, reflecting the soul's journey to spiritual awareness. In Hinduism, the water lily, or Indian lotus, represents the infinite potential of the human soul.

 

White flowers of water lily - also considered a national flower in many ancient civilizations
Stunning water lily flower image by @all_weather_gardener

 

The water lily's cycle of retreating underwater at night and re-emerging in the morning light metaphorically represents spiritual renewal. In ancient Egypt, the blue lotus was a sacred flower to the sun god Ra. Priests lowered the flowers beneath muddy water at dusk and raised them at dawn to signal rebirth.

Claude Monet has also immortalised the scene in 250 canvases, proving that a single water lily can convey emotions no other flower can.

 

Blue white flower for July birth month flower
White Blue Shade Flower by @pk_march

 

Color Symbolism of Water Lily

The color of a water lily flower carries deep symbolic meanings. These birth month flowers are more than just visually appealing; they embody various emotional and spiritual states.

 

tropical water lilies
Water lily appreciation, image by @hbombcousin

 

For this reason, many designers often rank the water lily as one of 'the world's most beautiful flowers.'

 

White pink water lilies flowers
Multi-color flower appeal, Image by @waterlily_konigsberg

 

Botanical Profile of the July Flowers - Larkspur and Water Lily

Larkspur emerges from late spring to early fall, soaring up to six feet when rooted in well-drained soil and full sun. Trim after the first bloom time to coax new flower buds.

Thanks to internal airways, each water lily leaf floats on the water's surface, shading fish and limiting algae growth in aquatic ecosystems. Hardy water lilies shrug off ice, whereas tropical water lilies glow under warm lights.

On dry ground, Westendorp’s double-petalled Delphinium Kissi® Blush Milka splashes lavender-rose across sturdy six-foot spires, while Nico Wigchert’s snow-white Delphinium Dewi Siberia and Ball SB’s compact, ever-branching Delphinium Trick™ series push the palette into pastel pinks, sunny yellows, and dreamy lilacs.

 

Amazing Delphiniums from Westendorp Delphinium Kissi® Blush Milka on Thursd
Delphinium Kissi® Blush Milka

 

Out on the water, the hardy peach-scented Nymphaea Colorado perfumes ponds for most of the year, while the sacred Nymphaea lotus (Indian lotus) and the dinner-plate-leafed Victoria amazonica supply nocturnal drama in warmer pools. Together, these standout cultivars prove that July’s birth-flower duo can move beyond myth into diverse gardens, offering textures, fragrances, and hues as multifaceted as midsummer itself.

July Flower Support in Sustainability

Because water lilies symbolize purity, their roots filter nutrients while slow-moving water keeps mosquitoes at bay. Larkspur foliage deters venomous creatures, yet dried stems make a historic blue dye. It's important to balance beauty with caution in this case, as both plants can be toxic if mis-handled.

Ways to Celebrate July Through Body Art and Tattoos

An extraordinary way to celebrate July's birth flower is through artistic tattoos. Many July babies and floral enthusiasts ink these flowers, honoring their birth. Celebrities like Sofia Vergara and Tom Cruise have inspired the trend of floral tattoos. Larkspur and water lily tattoos, with their distinctive shapes and colors, can range from minimalist to intricate designs.

 

Floral tattoo larkspur
Picture by @thejamielaw

 

A water lily tattoo might reflect purity and spiritual growth, while a larkspur tattoo could symbolize love and positivity. Larkspur tattoos symbolize a strong bond of love, open hearts, and positivity.

These tattoos can be personalized through color choices or additional symbols. Elements like a small bowl of water or a nectar-filled spur add personal meaning, making these tattoos profound symbols of beauty and individual personality.

 

Flower art by tattoo artist
Water lily tattoo by @jessimae___

 

Personalization & Meaning Behind July Flower Tattoos

Each July birth flower tattoo carries deep personal significance. For some, it might honor their birth month, while others resonate with the symbolic meanings of larkspur and water lily.

Larkspur tattoos symbolize strong bonds of love, open hearts, and positivity. Water lily tattoos signify purity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment.

These tattoos can be personalized through color choices or additional symbols. Pink larkspur might reflect tenderness, while a white water lily can symbolize calm and purity.

Elements like a small bowl of water or a nectar-filled spur add personal meaning, making these tattoos profound symbols of beauty and individual personality.

Ways to Integrate July Birth Flowers in Everyday Life

A delightful way to enjoy the charm of larkspur and water lilies is by incorporating them into your home decor. Arrange a fresh bouquet of larkspur on your dining table or in your living room. Their colors brighten up your space, and their sweet fragrance infuses the air with calmness.

If you have an outdoor pond or a small water feature, cultivate water lilies to create a breathtaking display, as their floating flowers and lily pads deliver a sense of tranquility to your outdoor area. For indoors, a water lily in a small bowl of water serves as a unique centerpiece, celebrating your love for these flowers.

 

White water lily in fresh water
White water lilies, Image by @botanicbarney

 

A potted larkspur or an indoor water lily plant in a professional workspace can also uplift the ambiance, enhance productivity, and foster creativity. Larkspur's symbolism of strong attachment and an open heart is a great reminder of good relations with colleagues, creating a supportive work environment. 

Gifting July birth flower plants and ornaments can also be a thoughtful gesture, establishing deeper business relationships.

 

Pink Flower with mountain view
Pink water lily flower with mountain @langnesslighthouse

 

Celebrating Every July Birth with July Flowers

Yes, July is represented by two captivating flowers - larkspur and water lily. Each flower carries unique significance, depicting the diverse traits of July-born individuals. Whether you float a single water lily on the water surface, weave spires into wild bouquets, or ink a quiet birth flower tattoo, this duo will keep midsummer legends alive for generations.

 

Celebrating July birth flower with delphinium
Picture by @ochrefarmnapanee

 

Remember, the July birth flower pairing thrives on balance: the choice of birth flower may depend on individual preference or cultural significance, with both larkspur and water lily offering unique beauty and meaning.

 

Feature image by @winnie.junefloral.

FAQ

Why does July have two birth flowers, and what do they represent?

Because midsummer embraces both land and water, tradition grants two birth flowers to July. The first July birth flower, larkspur, shows tall bravery; the second, the water lily, radiates calm purity. Together these birth month flowers teach every July celebrant that contrast creates harmony: one flower rises into sunlit air, the other floats softly on water. By embracing both flowers, people find renewal, loyalty, and new beginnings in a single seasonal emblem.

What are creative ways to showcase July’s emblem in floral arrangements?

Combine height and stillness for dramatic floral arrangements. Anchor larkspur spikes in a slim vase, then float water lilies in a shallow dish—the duet instantly yields stunning flowers. Slide the centerpiece onto mirrored glass so light dances over petals and flowers. This technique highlights the two birth flowers equally: each flower keeps its character, yet together the flowers tell a unique birth flower story guests recall long after the seasonal flowers fade.

Do the colors of July’s birth flowers carry special meanings?

Color is the quiet language of July’s birth month flowers. Blue larkspur flowers whisper trust, white lily flowers echo purity, and yellow flowers spark optimism. Yet it’s the pink blossoms that fascinate historians: in Victorian lore, pink symbolizes fickleness. Selecting a birth flower hue lets bouquets of flowers share gratitude, romance, or reflection, showing how flowers still speak when voices rest.

Can July’s birth flowers flourish in hotter regions or within reflective ponds?

Both July flowers adapt well. Larkspur likes cool roots yet copes with warmer climates when mulched, while hardy and tropical water lilies adore full sun. Set lilies in still ponds or tubs: water gardens showcase their floating flowers as the flowers unfurl by late afternoon. Complement them with container larkspur, and your birth month celebration will overflow with scent, color, and showy flowers for friends and extra flowers for pollinators.

Which myths and rituals highlight the July birth flower’s ancient origins?

Botanists trace Delphinium to a Greek word for dolphin, inspired by its curved spur. Folklore says larkspur carries messages between realms, and poets long paired larkspur and the water lily to mark transition. Medieval religious ceremonies scattered the flowers to bless soldiers. Today, gardeners, jewelers, and storytellers keep the July birth flower alive, proving that this expressive birth flower of summer still nurtures dreams, memories, and flowers.

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