July is a month filled with sunshine, celebration, and vibrant colour. It’s the heart of summer — when nature is at its peak. The days are warm, and everything around feels full of life. Just like every month has a special flower, the July birth flower also carries special meaning and history.
When you match flowers and birth months, the gift becomes more personal. It shows you’ve taken the time to understand what the flower stands for. That’s why choosing a flower by month birth is such a thoughtful way to mark someone’s special day.
What Is the July Birth Flower?
There are two birth flowers of July – Larkspur and Water Lily. Each one tells a different story, and both are beautiful in their own way.
- Larkspur is a tall flower that grows in pink, white, blue, and purple. It stands out in gardens with its height and colours.
- Water Lily floats gently on the surface of ponds and lakes. It blooms from muddy water but comes out looking clean, soft, and calm.
These two flowers reflect the dual nature of July — it’s a month of bold energy, but also quiet moments. You can go with fireworks and festivals or take a calm walk near the water. Larkspur and water lilies represent both feelings.
The History of Larkspur
Larkspur, also called Delphinium, gets its name from the Greek word “delphin,” meaning dolphin. People thought the flower buds looked like a dolphin’s nose. In ancient Greece and Rome, larkspur was believed to protect people from scorpions and other dangers.
It was also used in old herbal medicine — despite being poisonous — to treat wounds and skin problems. Over the years, larkspur became a popular garden plant in Europe and America. By the 19th century, new colours and taller varieties were bred for beauty rather than use.
What Does Larkspur Symbolise?
Like many flowers, larkspur has different meanings depending on its colour.
- Blue larkspur: Positivity, dignity, and grace.
- Pink larkspur: Fickleness or changing moods.
- White larkspur: Happiness and pure joy.
- Purple larkspur: First love and sweet memories.
In general, the July flower of the month stands for an open heart, strong bonds, and light-heartedness. Larkspur is a symbol of honesty, affection, and cheerful spirit — all the things we wish for on a birthday with birthday flowers
How to Care for Larkspur
Larkspur is easy to grow if you know what it needs.
- Sunlight: Needs at least 6 hours of full sun every day.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Support: Tall varieties often need stakes to stay upright.
- Fertiliser: A balanced fertiliser every few weeks helps it bloom better.
Larkspur can grow over six feet tall and add colour and height to any garden. But be careful — all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten.
The History of the Water Lily
The water lily has been special for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, the blue water lily was linked to the sun god Ra. It stood for creation, rebirth, and the journey to the afterlife. That’s why it appeared in tombs, temple art, and even jewellery.
In Greek and Roman times, the water lily was connected to nature spirits called nymphs. Its Latin name, Nymphaea, comes from this. Romans also used it for medicine, especially to treat swelling and skin issues.
In the 1800s, a French grower named Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac created colourful water lily varieties. His work made them popular in European gardens. Claude Monet, the famous artist, painted them many times in his garden at Giverny.
Today, water lilies are loved for their beauty and calm presence. They’re found in ponds and water gardens all over the world — floating peacefully, just as they have for centuries.
What Does the Water Lily Mean?
Water lilies grow in muddy water but rise above it clean and pure. That’s why they’re often seen as a sign of:
- Purity: Clean beauty in the middle of messy surroundings.
- Peace and calm: Floating softly on still water.
- Spiritual growth: Rising from darkness into light.
- Rebirth and transformation: A daily symbol of renewal.
In Buddhism and Hinduism, the water lily (often called lotus) is a spiritual icon. It represents the journey from the physical world into higher awareness.
How to Care for Water Lilies
Since they’re aquatic, water lilies need different care than regular garden flowers.
- Sunlight: At least 6 hours of direct sun every day.
- Water depth: Hardy types grow best in 12–18 inches of water. Tropical ones prefer 6–12 inches.
- Soil: Plant them in containers with heavy soil or aquatic planting media.
- Fertiliser: Use slow-release tablets every 4–6 weeks in summer.
- Pests: Watch for snails, aphids, and beetles — they like water lilies too.
- Winter care: In cold areas, bring tropical types indoors. Hardy ones can survive if the roots stay below the freeze line.
Once planted, water lilies bloom again and again — calm, graceful, and full of beauty.
Why July Month Flowers Are Perfect Birthday Gifts
July month flowers are full of meaning. Larkspur brings energy, colour, and cheer. Water lilies bring peace, grace, and calm. Giving either one — or both — makes a birthday feel personal and meaningful.
Whether someone loves bright, bold flowers or prefers something gentle and spiritual, the July flower options cover both ends of the spectrum.
How to Choose the Right July Flower Gift
Here are a few ideas to help you pick the right bouquet:
- For your partner: Purple larkspur mixed with soft pink roses.
- For a friend: Blue or white larkspur to celebrate joyful memories.
- For someone spiritual or calm: A bouquet inspired by water lilies, or paired with white flowers.
Don’t forget to include a note explaining what the flowers mean. That small detail can make the gift even more touching.
Flowers and Birth Months: A Beautiful Tradition
The idea of matching flowers to birth months goes back a long way. Like birthstones, these flower by month birth symbols are believed to reflect the qualities of people born in each month.
The July birth flower is no different. Larkspur reflects lightness, honesty, and open-hearted love. Water lily shows calm strength, beauty, and the ability to bloom in difficult places.
These flowers tell a story — one that makes the person feel seen, understood, and appreciated.
Celebrate July Birthdays with Meaning
Choosing a July birthday flower isn’t just about giving something pretty. It’s about giving something that matters. The birth flowers of July – larkspur and water lily – are rich with story, symbolism, and soul.
They make people smile. They bring back memories. And they speak to who the person is, deep down.
So this year, when you’re picking a gift for someone born in July, think about their flower. Think about how it grows. What it means. And why it was chosen for this beautiful summer month.
Because when we give flowers with meaning, we’re not just giving petals. We’re giving love, understanding, and a moment that lasts.
