July Birth Flower - Larkspur & Water Lily
The vibrant, elegant blooms symbolizing open heart, positivity, and purity
About July's Birth Flowers
July is blessed with two beautiful birth flowers: the striking Larkspur with its tall spikes of colorful blooms, and the elegant Water Lily with its floating flowers that open with the morning sun and close in the evening.
Larkspur (Delphinium species) is a tall, stately flower that produces spikes of blossoms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. The name comes from the spur-shaped projection on the back of each flower, which resembles a lark's claw. Despite their beauty, all parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, so they should be handled with care.
Water Lily (Nymphaea species) is an aquatic flowering plant with round leaves that float on the water's surface and stunning blooms that rise just above the water. These flowers open in the morning and close at night, symbolizing resurrection and rebirth in many cultures. Water lilies come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and blue, and they play an important ecological role in aquatic environments.
Larkspur & Water Lily Properties
Physical Properties
- Scientific Name: Larkspur: Delphinium species / Water Lily: Nymphaea species
- Color: Larkspur: Blue, purple, pink, white / Water Lily: White, pink, yellow, blue
- Bloom Season: Both bloom in summer, particularly July
- Growth Habit: Larkspur: Tall, upright spikes / Water Lily: Floating aquatic plant
- Fragrance: Larkspur: Mild, sweet / Water Lily: Sweet, subtle fragrance
Symbolic Meaning
- Open heart: Larkspur symbolizes an open, receptive heart
- Positivity: Both flowers represent positive energy and outlook
- Purity: Especially associated with the Water Lily's pristine blooms
- Dignity: Larkspur's tall, stately form represents dignity and grace
- Grace: Water Lily's floating elegance symbolizes grace and beauty
- Lightness: Both flowers convey a sense of lightness and joy
Growing Conditions
- Larkspur Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Larkspur Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Larkspur Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7 (perennial varieties)
- Water Lily Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
- Water Lily Medium: Still water, 18-30 inches deep
- Water Lily Zone: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10 (varies by species)
Care & Maintenance
- Larkspur: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil
- Larkspur: Water regularly but avoid waterlogged soil
- Larkspur: Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage
- Water Lily: Plant in containers submerged in water, in full sun
- Water Lily: Use aquatic soil or heavy garden loam in containers
- Water Lily: Remove dead leaves and flowers regularly to maintain water quality
The Rich History of July's Birth Flowers
Larkspur has been cultivated for centuries and was named for its resemblance to a lark's spur or claw. In ancient times, people would crush the flowers to make blue ink. In Victorian flower language, different colors of larkspur carried different meanings: pink represented fickleness, white conveyed happiness, and purple symbolized first love.
Native Americans used larkspur for medicinal purposes, though modern science has revealed that most species contain toxic alkaloids. The flower has been associated with lightness of heart and pure love, making it a fitting birth flower for the warm, joyful month of July.
Water lilies have been revered across many cultures for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, the blue water lily (actually a lotus) was sacred and associated with rebirth and the sun god Ra. The flower's habit of closing at night and reopening in the morning symbolized death and resurrection, a powerful metaphor in Egyptian religious beliefs.
In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the lotus (closely related to water lilies) represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. The water lily's daily cycle of opening in the morning and closing at night has made it a symbol of resurrection in many cultures. Claude Monet's famous water lily paintings have further cemented these flowers in art history and popular culture, capturing their serene beauty and ephemeral nature.
Larkspur & Water Lily Varieties
Both Larkspur and Water Lily come in several varieties, each with its own unique characteristics:
Delphinium elatum (Candle Larkspur)
The tallest variety of larkspur, growing up to 6 feet tall with dense spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. This perennial variety is popular in cottage gardens and formal borders.
Consolida ajacis (Rocket Larkspur)
An annual variety with more loosely arranged flowers on branching stems. Available in similar colors to perennial varieties, it's often grown as a cut flower and reseeds readily in the garden.
Delphinium grandiflorum (Chinese Larkspur)
A shorter, bushier species with more delicate foliage and intense blue flowers. It's more heat-tolerant than other varieties, making it suitable for warmer climates.
Nymphaea odorata (American White Water Lily)
A native North American species with fragrant white flowers that float on the water's surface. The flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon, and the plant has large, round leaves that provide shelter for aquatic wildlife.
Nymphaea 'Attraction' (Hardy Red Water Lily)
A popular hybrid with deep red flowers that have pointed petals and yellow centers. It's hardy in colder climates and blooms prolifically throughout summer.
Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lotus)
Also known as the Egyptian blue water lily, this species has pale blue to blue-purple flowers with yellow centers. It has historical significance in Egyptian culture and was used in ancient ceremonies.
Fascinating Facts About July's Birth Flowers
Fact #1
Despite their beauty, all parts of larkspur plants contain toxic alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested, particularly to livestock and pets.
Fact #2
Larkspur is the official birth flower for July, and in the language of flowers, it generally symbolizes an open heart, positivity, and strong bonds of love.
Fact #3
The name "delphinium" comes from the Greek word "delphis," meaning dolphin, as the flower buds were thought to resemble dolphins.
Fact #4
Water lilies are among the oldest flowering plants on Earth, with fossil records dating back to the Cretaceous period, approximately 145-66 million years ago.
Fact #5
Water lilies play an important ecological role in aquatic environments by providing shade that helps regulate water temperature and habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Fact #6
The famous French Impressionist painter Claude Monet created approximately 250 oil paintings of water lilies in his garden at Giverny, which now form some of his most recognized works.
Uses of July's Birth Flowers
Both Larkspur and Water Lily have been used in various ways throughout history, from decorative to medicinal purposes:
Larkspur Uses
- Ornamental: Larkspur is primarily grown as an ornamental garden plant, valued for its tall, colorful flower spikes that add vertical interest to gardens and make excellent cut flowers.
- Dye: Historically, the flowers were used to make blue ink and dyes for textiles. The blue pigment was extracted by crushing the petals.
- Medicinal (Historical): Despite its toxicity, larkspur was used in traditional medicine to treat parasites, reduce fever, and as a sedative. However, due to its toxic nature, it is no longer used medicinally.
- Insect Repellent: Some species of larkspur have been used as natural insect repellents in gardens and homes.
Water Lily Uses
- Aquatic Gardening: Water lilies are essential plants in water gardens and ponds, where they provide beauty, shade, and habitat for aquatic life.
- Medicinal: In various traditional medicine systems, parts of water lilies have been used to treat inflammation, high blood pressure, and as a sedative.
- Culinary: In some cultures, the seeds, tubers, and young leaves of certain water lily species are edible and used in cooking. The seeds can be popped like popcorn or ground into flour.
- Environmental: Water lilies play an important ecological role by providing shade that helps regulate water temperature, reducing algae growth, and creating habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Cultural Significance
- Larkspur is associated with lightness of heart and joyfulness in the language of flowers.
- In Greek mythology, larkspur was said to have sprung from the blood of Ajax, with markings on the petals spelling "Ai" (Greek for "alas").
- Water lilies are sacred in many Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism, where the lotus (a close relative) represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.
- Claude Monet's series of approximately 250 water lily paintings are among the most famous works of Impressionist art, celebrating the beauty and tranquility of these flowers.
Connection to July's Birthstone
July's birth flowers share interesting connections with its birthstone, the ruby:
July's birth flower (Larkspur) and birthstone (Ruby) both come in rich, vibrant colors that symbolize passion and strong emotions.
The water lily's association with purity complements the ruby's symbolism of nobility and divine power.
Both July's birth flowers and birthstone are associated with protection and positive energy.
Like the precious ruby, both larkspur and water lily have been valued across cultures for centuries for their beauty and symbolic meanings.
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