The tradition of birth month flowers connects personal symbolism with the natural world. These designated blooms reflect the seasonal beauty of the month and carry historical meanings. July is represented by two distinct flowers, the Larkspur and the Water Lily, each offering a unique aesthetic and symbolic message.
The Larkspur: Appearance and Meaning
The Larkspur, classified within the genus Delphinium, is known for its striking, vertical growth habit. It produces densely packed flower spikes, or racemes, that can reach heights of up to six feet. The individual flowers are often trumpet-shaped and feature a characteristic spur, which gives the plant its common name, resembling a lark’s claw.
The color of the Larkspur determines its specific symbolic message. Blue varieties represent dignity and grace, while purple blooms are associated with first love or loyalty. Pink larkspurs symbolize joy and lightness, and white blossoms signify purity and cheerfulness. Historically, the Larkspur was also connected to protection, with ancient cultures planting it to ward off negative energies.
The Water Lily: Traits and Significance
The Water Lily, belonging to the genus Nymphaea, contrasts sharply with the Larkspur due to its aquatic lifestyle and floating blooms. This perennial plant anchors itself in the mud using stout rhizomes, sending up long stalks to support its broad, waxy, circular leaves and showy flowers. The leaves, known as lily pads, can spread up to 18 inches across, providing shade and helping to reduce algae growth.
The bowl-shaped flowers are often fragrant and can range from three to twelve inches in diameter. Water Lilies exhibit unique diurnal behavior, with many species opening in the morning and closing in the late afternoon. Symbolically, the Water Lily represents purity, spiritual enlightenment, and rebirth, rising unsullied from muddy water. In ancient Egypt, the blue Water Lily symbolized the sun and creation, and in Asian cultures, the related lotus is sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism.
Using July’s Flowers in Arrangements and Gardens
The distinct forms of July’s birth flowers lead to different practical applications in design and gifting. The Larkspur is a valued “line flower” in floral design, using its vertical structure to establish height and movement in an arrangement. It pairs well with rounded, mass flowers like roses or peonies, creating a balanced summer bouquet.
For garden design, the Larkspur is a classic choice for cottage and wildflower beds, creating a backdrop against shorter plantings. The Water Lily is strictly aquatic, incorporated into water gardens, ponds, or floating centerpieces. Its pads shade the water, benefiting the aquatic ecosystem, while the blooms add a focal point to the water feature. Gifting a Larkspur arrangement conveys the month’s sentiments, while the Water Lily, often used as a motif, offers a symbolic tribute.