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International Flower Delivery
July Birth Flowers: What is the flower for the month of July?
- 🌸 July has two birth flowers — larkspur (symbolizing an open heart and strong bonds) and water lily (symbolizing purity, rebirth, and enlightenment).
- 🪷 Water lily meaning centers on spiritual renewal, while larkspur color matters: pink signals fickleness, white means happiness, and purple conveys first love.
- 💐 Gift larkspurs as cut stems for vases and celebrate the water lily through potted pond plants, art prints, or jewelry — each carries genuine July birthday significance.
July claims two birth flowers — the larkspur and the water lily — and together they give you one of the most striking pairs in the entire birth month flower calendar. Whether you want a meaningful birthday gift, a tattoo design, or just the backstory behind your own birth flower, knowing what the July birth flower stands for turns a simple bloom into something personal. The Society of American Florists assigned these two flowers to July back in 1958, and the pairing stuck for good reason: larkspur shoots skyward while water lily floats at the surface, covering both boldness and calm.
What are the birth flowers for July?
The birth flowers for July are larkspur (Consolida ajacis) and water lily (Nymphaea). Most floral traditions list larkspur as the primary July birth month flower and water lily as the secondary one. Why two? The dual-flower system dates to the early 20th century, when American and British floral societies wanted broader options for gifting. Larkspur thrives in cottage gardens across USDA Hardiness Zones 2–10, while roughly 58 species of water lilies grow on every continent except Antarctica.
So which one should you choose? That depends on the message you want to send. Keep reading — the meanings diverge quite a bit.
Larkspur: the primary July birth flower
Larkspur belongs to the genus Consolida, a close relative of delphinium. Tall flower spikes — often reaching 3 to 4 feet — carry dozens of small blooms along a single stem. You will spot larkspur in cottage gardens all over the American Midwest and Pacific Northwest from late June through August.
Larkspur meaning and symbolism
- Each larkspur color carries a distinct message:
- Pink larkspur signals fickleness or contrariness — a playful jab at someone who keeps changing plans.
- White larkspur represents a happy-go-lucky nature and joy.
- Purple larkspur speaks to first love and sweet devotion.
- Blue larkspur communicates grace, dignity, and an open heart.
In the Victorian "language of flowers" (published widely after Kate Greenaway's 1884 book Language of Flowers), blue larkspur specifically meant "lightness" and "levity." Friends exchanged blue stems to say, "Don't take life so seriously."
Larkspur in history and mythology
Greek mythology gives larkspur a dramatic origin story. After the warrior Ajax lost Achilles' armor to Odysseus, Ajax collapsed in grief. A larkspur flower supposedly grew from the spot where Ajax fell, with markings on the petals resembling the Greek letters "AI" — a cry of mourning. Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest used larkspur dye to color ceremonial items blue. They also crushed the seeds to repel lice, though the entire plant contains toxic alkaloids — particularly delphinine — that make larkspur poisonous to cattle and humans alike.
Here's an important fact: the USDA reports that larkspur poisoning kills more cattle in the Western United States than any other plant. Keep pets and children away from fresh-cut larkspur stems, and wash your hands after handling the flowers.
Growing larkspur at home
Larkspur prefers direct sowing. Drop seeds into the ground in early spring (March in Zones 7–10, April in Zones 3–6) when soil temperature sits around 55°F. The seeds need light to germinate, so press them into the surface without covering. Expect blooms roughly 80 to 90 days after planting.
- A few quick care pointers:
- Sow seeds in full sun with well-drained, alkaline soil (pH 7.0–7.5).
- Space seedlings about 10 to 12 inches apart to allow airflow.
- Stake taller varieties once stems pass 24 inches to prevent toppling.
- Deadhead spent blooms weekly to extend the flowering season into August.
- Larkspur makes an outstanding cut flower. Stems last 7 to 10 days in a vase when you cut them early in the morning, strip lower leaves, and change the water every 2 days.
Water lily: the secondary July birth flower
The water lily — July's second birth flower — floats on still ponds and lakes across North America, Europe, and Asia. Claude Monet painted more than 250 oil works featuring water lilies between 1895 and 1926 at his garden in Giverny, France. That series alone cemented the flower's place in global art history.
Water lily flower meaning
- Water lily meaning revolves around four core ideas:
- Purity — the flower rises from muddy water yet blooms spotless.
- Rebirth — many species close at night and reopen each morning.
- Enlightenment — Buddhist and Hindu traditions associate the water lily with spiritual awakening.
- Innocence — white water lilies, in particular, stand for a clean heart and fresh beginnings.
The Nymphaea genus includes about 58 recognized species. Colors range from white and soft pink to deep blue and vivid yellow. Blue water lilies (Nymphaea caerulea) hold extra significance in ancient Egyptian culture, where priests used them in temple rituals dating back to 1500 BCE.
Water lily symbolism across cultures
- Water lily symbolism shifts depending on where you look:
- Ancient Egypt treated the blue water lily as a symbol of the sun god Ra, because the flower opens at dawn and closes at dusk.
- Hinduism links the water lily to creation — the goddess Saraswati often appears seated on a white lotus or water lily.
- Native American Ojibwe folklore calls the water lily "a star that fell into the lake."
- Victorian England used white water lilies at funerals to represent the departed soul's purity.
For July-born Americans, the water lily birth flower connects to themes of emotional resilience. The plant roots itself in muck at the bottom of a pond, pushes through murky water, and blooms at the surface. That journey makes the water lily a strong personal symbol.
Water lily vs. lotus: what's the difference?
People frequently confuse water lilies with lotus flowers. Fair enough — both grow in water. But the two plants belong to entirely separate families.
| Feature | Water lily (Nymphaea) | Lotus (Nelumbo) |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf position | Flat on the water surface | Rises above the water |
| Petal shape | Pointed, star-like | Rounded, cup-like |
| Seed pod | Hidden beneath the bloom | Prominent, shower-head shape |
| Native range | Every continent except Antarctica | Asia, northern Australia, limited U.S. range |
| Hardiness | Zones 3–11 (varies by species) | Zones 4–10 |
Water lily vs. lotus symbolism also differs. Lotus carries deep ties to Buddhist enlightenment and detachment. Water lily leans more toward emotional purity and creative inspiration — think Monet, not meditation retreats. For July birth flower purposes, your bloom is the water lily, not the lotus.
July birth flower meaning: color-by-color guide
- Color affects the meaning of both July birth month flowers. Here's a breakdown you can use when picking a gift:
- White larkspur conveys happiness and a carefree spirit.
- Purple larkspur declares first love or youthful romance.
- Pink larkspur teases about indecisiveness (best for close friends who will get the joke).
- White water lily speaks to purity, innocence, and fresh starts.
- Pink water lily communicates friendship and gentle affection.
- Yellow water lily stands for new beginnings and cheerful energy.
- Blue water lily connects to wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual depth.
When you combine colors — say, purple larkspur with a white water lily — you create a layered message: passionate first love balanced by purity of intent. Florists call this "stacking meaning," and it gives July birthday arrangements an extra personal dimension.
Gift ideas for a July birthday
Larkspurs work beautifully as cut flowers. Water lilies don't — try cutting a water lily stem, and the bloom closes within hours. So how do you gift the water lily birth flower? Think creatively.
Fresh flower options
- Larkspur bouquet — mix blue and purple stems with white roses for a classic July arrangement. Local florists in most U.S. cities can source larkspur from June through August.
- Larkspur and delphinium pairing — delphiniums share the same family and extend the color palette into deeper indigos.
- Mixed summer arrangement — add sunflowers or zinnias (both peak in July) alongside larkspur for a bold, seasonal vase.
Water lily gifts beyond cut flowers
- Potted water lily — hardy varieties like Nymphaea 'Marliacea Chromatella' grow well in containers as small as 15 inches across. Perfect for a patio tub garden.
- Water lily jewelry — sterling silver or gold pendants shaped like Nymphaea blooms start around $25–$60 on Etsy.
- Art print — a Monet water lily reproduction makes a lasting gift. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York sells licensed prints starting at $20.
- Water lily candle — several U.S.-based candle makers produce water lily-scented soy candles in the $18–$35 range.
Pairing flowers with U.S. holiday occasions
July birthdays often overlap with Independence Day celebrations on July 4th. Red, white, and blue larkspur stems fit that color scheme perfectly. For a July birthday that falls near a summer wedding or graduation, white larkspur and white water lily imagery combine formality with personal meaning.
Looking for a July birthday bouquet?
Browse arrangements from local florists and pick one that suits the occasion.
How to care for cut larkspur
- You want those tall, gorgeous spikes to last? Follow these steps:
- Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under running water.
- Remove all leaves below the waterline.
- Place stems in a clean vase filled with cool (not cold) water.
- Add floral preservative — one packet per quart of water.
- Change the water every 48 hours.
- Keep the vase away from direct sunlight, air conditioning vents, and fruit bowls (ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which wilts flowers faster).
In humid U.S. climates — the Southeast especially — mold develops on wet stems quickly. Check the waterline daily and trim off any slimy sections. In dry Western states like Arizona or Nevada, mist the petals lightly once a day to slow dehydration.
Expect well-maintained larkspur to last 7 to 10 days. Some florists report 12-day vase life when using commercial hydration solutions.
Growing water lilies at home
- Water lilies aren't just for massive ponds. Hardy species thrive in half-barrel containers on a deck or patio. Here's how to start:
- Container size — use a vessel at least 15 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep.
- Planting medium — fill a mesh planting basket with heavy clay soil (no peat or potting mix, which floats).
- Placement — set the basket in the container so 6 to 18 inches of water sits above the crown.
- Sunlight — water lilies need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun daily.
- Fertilizer — push one aquatic fertilizer tablet into the soil every 4 weeks from May through September.
Hardy varieties like Nymphaea 'Perry's Baby Red' or Nymphaea 'Helvola' (the smallest species, with pads under 4 inches) suit container gardening well. In USDA Zones 3–6, bring the container indoors before the first frost. In Zones 7–11, water lilies overwinter outdoors without issue.
One common mistake: adding fish to a small water lily container. Goldfish produce waste that spikes ammonia, stunting the plant. Keep the growing container fish-free unless the vessel holds at least 20 gallons.
Common mistakes when choosing July birth flowers
Calling larkspur and delphinium the same plant. They share family Ranunculaceae, but larkspur (Consolida) grows as an annual. Delphinium (Delphinium) grows as a perennial. Delphiniums also tend to be taller — sometimes exceeding 6 feet — and prefer cooler climates.
Gifting water lily cut flowers. Cut water lily blooms close and wilt rapidly. A few specialty florists in cities like New York, Los Angeles (LA), and Chicago can source tropical water lilies that last 3 to 4 days, but expect premium pricing. For most situations, choose a water lily-themed gift instead.
Ignoring toxicity. All parts of the larkspur plant contain toxic alkaloids. Pet owners need to keep larkspur bouquets on high surfaces, far from curious cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists larkspur as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Confusing water lily with lotus. This matters for tattoos especially. If you want a July birth flower tattoo, show your artist a reference photo of Nymphaea, not Nelumbo. The petal shapes differ noticeably.
Beyond the bloom: July birth flower in tattoos and jewelry
Birth flower tattoos surged in popularity around 2019, and they remain a top search on Pinterest — the platform shows over 38 curated boards dedicated to July birth flower tattoo designs. Fine-line larkspur tattoos work well on forearms, wrists, and behind the ear. Water lily designs suit larger placements like the shoulder blade or upper arm because the circular pad-and-bloom shape needs room to read clearly.
- For jewelry, look for pieces that reference the specific petal count. A true water lily typically has 20 to 25 petals, while lotus blooms carry fewer. This detail signals that the designer actually knows the difference.
- Meaningful customization ideas:
- Engrave the recipient's birth date on the back of a water lily pendant.
- Choose a larkspur charm in the color that matches the desired meaning (purple for first love, blue for grace).
- Pair a larkspur sprig with a water lily in one design to represent both July birth flowers together.
Your July bloom, your story
A birth flower says something about timing, seasons, and the natural world you arrived in. Larkspur reaches upward with bold color. Water lily stays grounded and opens fresh every morning. Both belong to July — and if you were born this month, both belong to you. Pick the one that matches how you see yourself, or claim them both. Next time someone asks "what's the birth flower for July?" you'll have a real answer, not just a name. And honestly, that little piece of botanical knowledge makes a birthday feel a bit more yours.
Send birthday flowers
Choose your bouquet, add a message, and let a local florist hand-deliver it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the July birth flower?▾
July has two birth flowers. Larkspur serves as the primary flower, and water lily serves as the secondary one. The Society of American Florists formalized this pairing in 1958.
What does the water lily symbolize?▾
Water lily symbolism centers on purity, rebirth, and spiritual enlightenment. The flower's daily cycle — closing at night and reopening at dawn — reinforces themes of renewal and emotional resilience.
Can you send water lilies as cut flowers?▾
Rarely. Most water lily blooms close and deteriorate within hours of cutting. A few specialty florists in major U.S. cities carry tropical varieties that last up to 4 days, but potted water lilies, jewelry, or art prints make more practical gifts.
Are larkspurs safe around pets?▾
No. Larkspur contains delphinine and other toxic alkaloids. The ASPCA classifies the entire plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Place cut larkspur arrangements well out of reach.
What is the difference between a water lily and a lotus?▾
Water lilies (Nymphaea) rest their leaves flat on the water surface and belong to the family Nymphaeaceae. Lotus (Nelumbo) lifts leaves and blooms above the water and belongs to Nelumbonaceae. The two plants share no close genetic relationship despite looking similar at a glance.
Do water lilies grow in containers?▾
Yes. Hardy varieties grow in containers as small as 15 inches in diameter with 6 to 18 inches of water above the crown. Place the container in full sun — at least 6 hours daily — and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
