July's birth flowers are the larkspur and the water lily, two blooms that capture the warmth and fullness of midsummer. The larkspur, also known as delphinium, is recognized for its tall spikes of clustered blossoms and its association with positivity, strong bonds, and an open heart. The water lily, an aquatic flower that floats on the surface of ponds and lakes, represents purity, spiritual enlightenment, and inner peace. Together, these flowers reflect the expansive, generous character of July — a month defined by long days, bright light, and the height of the growing season. For anyone choosing flowers for a July birthday or exploring the meaning behind these blooms, understanding their history and symbolism adds intention and depth to the selection.
In This Article
WHAT IS JULY'S BIRTH FLOWER · THE MEANING AND SYMBOLISM OF THE LARKSPUR · THE HISTORY OF LARKSPUR IN CULTURE · THE MEANING AND SYMBOLISM OF THE WATER LILY · HOW LARKSPUR AND WATER LILY REPRESENT JULY · HOW TO CHOOSE JULY BIRTHDAY FLOWERS · JULY BIRTH FLOWER TATTOO IDEAS · FAQ · CONCLUSION
In this article, we will explain why July has two birth flowers, what each one symbolizes, how their colors carry different meanings, and how to choose the right arrangement for a July birthday. Whether you are selecting a birthday bouquet or considering a tattoo design inspired by these flowers, this guide covers the key information about both blooms.
WHAT IS JULY'S BIRTH FLOWER
July's birth flowers are the larkspur and the water lily. These two blooms were chosen to represent the month because they reach their peak during midsummer and reflect the season's themes of vibrancy, emotional depth, and natural beauty. The larkspur is July's primary birth flower, while the water lily serves as the secondary flower.
The tradition of assigning two birth flowers to certain months allows for a broader range of symbolism. The larkspur represents an open heart, cheerfulness, and strong emotional bonds. Its tall, vertical form and densely clustered blossoms give it a visual presence that suggests confidence and generosity. The water lily represents purity, spiritual awakening, and the ability to remain peaceful amid changing circumstances. Its floating form and habit of opening each morning and closing at night have made it a symbol of renewal across many cultures. While June's birth flowers celebrate early summer romance and August's birth flowers mark the late-summer transition, July's pairing captures the fullest, most expansive moment of the season.
This dual tradition provides flexibility when choosing a flower for someone born in July. The larkspur suits recipients who value warmth, loyalty, and expressive affection, while the water lily appeals to those drawn to contemplation, beauty, and inner calm.
THE MEANING AND SYMBOLISM OF THE LARKSPUR
The larkspur's symbolism is rooted in positivity, love, and an open, generous spirit. In the language of flowers, larkspur communicates lightheartedness and strong bonds of affection. As a July birth flower, the larkspur reflects the warm, outgoing energy of midsummer — a time when days are at their longest and the natural world is at its most abundant.
The color of the larkspur influences its specific meaning. Blue larkspur, the most recognizable variety, is associated with dignity, grace, and a calm confidence. Purple larkspur represents first love or a deep, passionate bond. Pink larkspur conveys romance, affection, and warmth. White larkspur symbolizes innocence, purity, and joyful new beginnings. Each color variation allows for purposeful selection when choosing larkspur for a birthday gift or personal arrangement, adding an extra layer of meaning to the gesture.
The larkspur's tall, upright form contributes to its symbolic character. Unlike compact or ground-hugging flowers, larkspur grows in vertical spikes that can reach several feet in height, with individual blossoms arranged densely along the stem. This growth pattern gives the flower a sense of aspiration and forward movement. In floral design, larkspur is valued as a line flower — it provides height, structure, and visual rhythm to mixed arrangements. Its delicate individual petals soften what could otherwise feel architectural, creating a balance between strength and refinement.
THE HISTORY OF LARKSPUR IN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Larkspur has been admired since ancient times. The flower's botanical family name, Delphinium, comes from the Greek word for dolphin — a reference to the shape of the flower bud, which was thought to resemble the nose of a dolphin. In Greek and Roman traditions, larkspur was associated with protection and good fortune. Dried larkspur was sometimes carried as a charm believed to ward off negative influences and attract positive energy.
During the Victorian era, larkspur became an important flower in floriography. Giving larkspur conveyed an earnest declaration of love — not the quiet devotion expressed by violets or the passionate intensity of red roses, but a warm, open-hearted affection that valued joy and sincerity. The flower was frequently included in midsummer bouquets and garden displays, where its height and color range made it a natural focal point.
In Native American traditions, larkspur and related delphinium species were recognized for their vivid blue pigments, which were sometimes used to create dyes. The flowers were also associated with positive energy and strong connections between people. In European folk traditions, larkspur was planted near homes as a protective measure, believed to keep away malevolent spirits and attract benevolent ones.
In modern floral culture, larkspur remains one of the most popular summer cut flowers. Its availability in a wide range of colors, its strong stem structure, and its ability to add height to arrangements make it a versatile choice for everything from casual summer bouquets to wedding designs. Dried larkspur also retains its color well, making it a common choice for preserved arrangements and decorative displays.
THE MEANING AND SYMBOLISM OF THE WATER LILY
The water lily's symbolism centers on purity, spiritual awakening, peace, and the capacity for beauty to emerge from difficult circumstances. Water lilies grow rooted in mud at the bottom of ponds and lakes, yet they produce pristine blossoms that float on the surface — a natural metaphor that has inspired spiritual traditions across the world.
As a July birth flower, the water lily represents the contemplative, inward-facing side of midsummer. While the larkspur speaks to outward warmth and social connection, the water lily reflects the importance of inner peace and personal renewal. Its daily cycle of opening at dawn and closing at dusk has made it a symbol of rebirth and the idea that each day offers a fresh beginning.
Ancient Egyptians held the water lily in particular reverence. The blue water lily (Nymphaea caerulea) appeared frequently in temple art and was associated with the sun god Ra, because the flower opened each morning with the sunrise. The Egyptians viewed the water lily as a symbol of creation and rebirth, and it was placed in tombs and ceremonial spaces as a representation of the journey from death to renewal.
In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the lotus — a close relative of the water lily — holds central spiritual importance as a symbol of enlightenment, purity of mind, and detachment from worldly suffering. The image of a flower emerging clean and beautiful from murky water resonated deeply with these philosophical traditions. In Western art, water lilies achieved iconic status through the paintings of Claude Monet, whose extensive series captured the flowers' interplay of light, color, and reflection. Monet's work helped establish the water lily as a symbol of beauty, contemplation, and the relationship between nature and perception.
HOW LARKSPUR AND WATER LILY REPRESENT JULY
Together, the larkspur and water lily capture the dual character of July. The larkspur represents the month's outward energy — its warmth, sociability, and celebratory spirit — while the water lily reflects its capacity for depth, reflection, and spiritual awareness. July sits at the peak of summer, when days are longest and the natural world is at full expression, and both flowers align with this moment of maximum light and growth.
The connection between July's birth flowers and the month's zodiac signs further illustrates this duality. Cancer, which covers the first three weeks of July, is associated with emotional depth, nurturing instincts, and intuitive sensitivity. The water lily, with its association with inner peace and emotional clarity, corresponds to these traits. Leo, which begins in the final week of July, is associated with confidence, warmth, and generous self-expression. The larkspur, with its tall, attention-commanding form and association with open-hearted love, reflects these qualities.
While water lilies are aquatic plants and not typically used as cut flowers in traditional arrangements, their influence appears in floral design through the use of wide, open blooms that evoke the water lily's floating form. Garden roses, dahlias, and open-form peonies can serve as water lily stand-ins, creating arrangements that carry the serene, contemplative quality of the aquatic bloom alongside the vertical energy of larkspur stems.
HOW TO CHOOSE JULY BIRTHDAY FLOWERS
Choosing flowers for a July birthday should account for the recipient's preferences, the relationship between sender and recipient, and practical considerations related to summer heat and flower care. July is one of the warmest months in Los Angeles, so selecting heat-tolerant varieties and arranging for timely delivery helps ensure the flowers arrive in their best condition.
For recipients who appreciate tall, colorful, and visually striking arrangements, larkspur serves as an effective focal flower. Blue and purple larkspur provide height and dramatic color, pairing well with roses, hydrangeas, and seasonal summer foliage. Because larkspur is a line flower with a strong vertical presence, it works best in designs that allow it to stand tall rather than being compressed into compact arrangements.
For recipients who prefer softer, more contemplative designs, incorporating water lily–inspired elements adds a calming quality. Wide-open garden roses, ranunculus, and dahlias in white, pink, and soft lavender tones evoke the water lily's floating beauty. Floating flower centerpieces — where open blooms rest on the surface of water in a shallow vessel — offer a creative interpretation of the water lily theme that works well for birthday dinners and garden celebrations.
The format of the arrangement should match the occasion and setting. A hand-tied bouquet with larkspur and summer blooms suits a personal birthday gift, while a low, wide arrangement inspired by water lilies works well as a table centerpiece. For same-day flower delivery in Los Angeles, ordering before the afternoon cutoff ensures timely arrival, and selecting seasonal, locally available varieties helps maintain quality during summer months.
DID YOU KNOW
The name "delphinium" comes from the ancient Greek word delphis, meaning dolphin. Greek botanists thought the shape of the unopened flower bud resembled the nose of a dolphin, and the name has remained in use for over two thousand years. The common name "larkspur" has a different origin — it refers to the long spur-shaped petal at the back of each blossom, which was thought to resemble the claw of a lark.
JULY BIRTH FLOWER TATTOO IDEAS AND MEANINGS
July birth flower tattoos are a popular way to represent a connection to the month or to honor someone with a July birthday. Because July has two birth flowers, tattoo designs can feature the larkspur, the water lily, or both flowers combined. For a broader overview of floral tattoo symbolism, the guide on flower tattoo meanings and designs covers additional options beyond birth month flowers.
Larkspur tattoos typically feature the flower's distinctive vertical spike with multiple small blossoms arranged along the stem. The elongated form makes larkspur well-suited to placements along the forearm, spine, or calf, where the design can follow the natural lines of the body. Fine-line renderings emphasize the delicate structure of individual petals, while color work in blue, purple, or pink captures the vibrancy of the living flower. A single larkspur stem in a minimalist style creates a clean, recognizable design that works at various scales.
Water lily tattoos often emphasize the flower's broad, open petals and its connection to water. Designs that show the lily resting on the surface of water, sometimes with a circular lily pad beneath, capture the flower's serene, floating quality. Watercolor-style renderings that blend soft pinks, whites, and greens are a common approach for water lily tattoos. Combined designs that pair a vertical larkspur spike with a floating water lily at its base create a balanced composition that reflects both the energetic and contemplative sides of the July birth flower pairing.
FAQ
Why does July have two birth flowers?
July has two birth flowers to represent the different qualities associated with midsummer. The larkspur symbolizes positivity, strong emotional bonds, and an open heart, while the water lily represents purity, spiritual awakening, and inner peace. Together, they capture both the outward warmth and the reflective depth of the month's character.
What does the larkspur symbolize as a July birth flower?
The larkspur symbolizes an open heart, cheerfulness, and strong bonds of love. Its tall, upright form and dense clusters of blossoms reflect confidence and generosity. In the Victorian language of flowers, giving larkspur conveyed an earnest, warm-hearted declaration of affection.
What is the difference between larkspur and water lily in terms of meaning?
Larkspur communicates outward qualities such as warmth, love, and joyful connection. Water lily expresses inward qualities including purity, peace, and spiritual renewal. The larkspur speaks with confidence, while the water lily speaks with stillness. Together, they represent a balance between expressiveness and contemplation that defines the July birth flower pairing.
Are larkspur and delphinium the same flower?
Larkspur and delphinium are closely related but technically distinct. Both belong to the Ranunculaceae family and share similar tall spikes of clustered blossoms. In common usage and in the context of birth flower traditions, the terms are often used interchangeably. Annual varieties are typically called larkspur, while perennial varieties are more commonly referred to as delphinium.
Can larkspur and water lily–inspired elements be combined in one arrangement?
Yes. Larkspur provides height, color, and vertical structure, while water lily–inspired elements — such as wide-open garden roses, dahlias, or floating centerpieces — add softness and a serene quality. Because water lilies are aquatic and not used as traditional cut flowers, florists use open-faced blooms that evoke their floating, contemplative appearance alongside the upright energy of larkspur.
What are the best flowers to pair with larkspur for a July birthday?
Larkspur pairs well with roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and summer greenery for July birthday arrangements. White and pastel-toned flowers create an elegant contrast against the deep blue and purple tones of the larkspur, while adding dahlias or garden roses in warm sunset tones introduces a distinctly midsummer character.
How long does larkspur last as a cut flower?
Cut larkspur typically lasts between five and eight days in a vase. Keeping the stems trimmed, changing the water every other day, and placing the arrangement in a cool location away from direct sunlight helps maintain the blooms. Removing individual florets as they fade encourages the remaining buds along the spike to continue opening.
CONCLUSION
The July birth flower pairing of larkspur and water lily reflects the warmth, depth, and generous spirit that define the peak of summer. The larkspur brings height, color, and centuries of association with open-hearted love and joyful connection, while the water lily adds serenity, spiritual significance, and a contemplative beauty that has inspired cultures across the world.
Choosing between a larkspur-centered arrangement and one inspired by the water lily depends on the recipient's preferences and the tone of the celebration. Both flowers are associated with the fullness of midsummer, and arrangements made during this season can incorporate blues, purples, and soft pastels that feel distinctly seasonal. Whether sent as a birthday bouquet or used as inspiration for a personal tattoo design, July birth flowers offer a meaningful way to honor someone during one of the year's brightest and most expansive months. For additional guidance, the complete birthday flowers guide covers options for all occasions and preferences.
