July is the heart of summer, so it makes sense that its birth flowers are bright, expressive, and full of symbolism. If you have ever wondered what is the July birth flower, the answer is a little more interesting than you might expect: July has two birth flowers—larkspur and water lily.
Larkspur is generally regarded as the primary July birth flower, while water lily is commonly listed as the secondary flower. Together, they represent qualities ranging from love and positivity to purity, rebirth, and new beginnings.
Whether you are searching for a July birth flower tattoo, a birthday gift, a flower drawing, or simply want to understand the symbolism behind your birth month, these two blooms offer plenty of inspiration.
What Is the July Birth Flower?
So, what is July birth flower exactly?
The answer is:
- Larkspur — the primary July birth flower
- Water lily — the secondary July birth flower
Different birth-flower traditions sometimes vary in which flower they call the “official” flower. However, major floral and gardening references commonly recognize larkspur and water lily as July’s birth flowers. The Old Farmer’s Almanac specifically lists larkspur as the primary flower and water lily as the secondary flower for July.
That means if someone asks, “What’s July birth flower?” you can confidently answer larkspur and water lily.
Larkspur: The Primary July Birth Flower
Larkspur is probably the more recognizable answer when someone asks about the July birth flower larkspur.
The name is commonly associated with the shape of the flower’s spur, which resembles a bird’s claw. Larkspur can refer to plants in the genera Delphinium and Consolida, which are closely related within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae.
The flowers grow along tall stems and are especially admired for their blue, purple, pink, and white shades. Their upright form gives gardens and floral arrangements a graceful, almost airy appearance.
Larkspur July Birth Flower Meaning
The larkspur July birth flower carries several positive associations. Its symbolism traditionally includes:
- Positivity
- Love
- Dedication
- Sincerity
- Lightheartedness
- Youthfulness
The exact meaning can also change depending on the flower’s color. For example, purple larkspur is associated with first love, while white larkspur can represent happiness and joy. Blue is linked with dignity and grace, while pink has traditionally been associated with fickleness.
This makes larkspur particularly meaningful for someone who wants a birth flower representing affection, emotional connection, or a joyful personality.
Why Is Larkspur Associated With July?
Larkspur blooms during the warmer part of the year and is strongly associated with early summer. Its tall flower spikes and vibrant colors fit naturally with July’s bright, energetic character.
There is also a fascinating mythology surrounding the flower. One Greek legend connects larkspur with Ajax, a hero of the Trojan War, whose blood was said to give rise to the flower. Stories like this helped give larkspur an even richer symbolic history.
Water Lily: The Second July Birth Flower
If larkspur represents the energetic side of July, the water lily July birth flower offers something calmer.
Water lilies are aquatic perennial plants belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae. Their flowers float above or close to the surface of still water, surrounded by their distinctive round leaves.
They are available in several colors, including white, pink, red, blue, and yellow. Some tropical varieties are also fragrant and can have particularly dramatic blooms.
The contrast between larkspur and water lily is part of what makes the July birth flower pairing so beautiful. One reaches upward on a tall stem, while the other rests peacefully on water.
Water Lily July Birth Flower Meaning
The water lily July birth flower is traditionally associated with:
- Purity
- Innocence
- Rebirth
- Enlightenment
- Calmness
- New beginnings
White water lilies are especially associated with purity and innocence. Other colors can carry additional meanings: pink may represent joy and friendship, red can suggest romance, blue is associated with calm and wisdom, and yellow can represent energy and new beginnings.
The idea of rebirth is particularly fitting. Water lilies emerge from underwater environments and produce beautiful flowers at the surface, making them a natural symbol of transformation and renewal.
Water Lily and Larkspur July Birth Flower Compared
When comparing water lily larkspur July birth flower symbolism, the two flowers have noticeably different personalities.
| Feature | Larkspur | Water Lily |
| Role | Primary July flower | Secondary July flower |
| Main meanings | Love, positivity, dedication | Purity, rebirth, innocence |
| Typical colors | Blue, purple, pink, white | White, pink, red, blue, yellow |
| Growth habit | Tall flowering stems | Floating aquatic flowers |
| Overall feeling | Joyful and expressive | Peaceful and reflective |
| Good for | Bouquets, gardens, tattoos | Tattoos, artwork, water gardens |
The larkspur feels energetic and romantic, while the water lily feels peaceful and symbolic. Choosing between them often comes down to which meaning feels more personal.
July Birth Flower Tattoo Ideas
A July birth flower tattoo can be much more personal than simply getting a flower illustration. Because both larkspur and water lily have strong symbolic meanings, they can represent personality, relationships, memories, or personal growth.
If you are considering a tattoo July birth flower design, here are some ideas worth exploring.
1. Minimalist Larkspur Tattoo
A thin-line larkspur design can look delicate without being overly decorative. It works especially well on the wrist, forearm, ankle, shoulder, or behind the ear.
2. Water Lily Tattoo
A simple water lily can create a peaceful and elegant design. A small outline tattoo can represent purity, calmness, or a fresh start.
3. Larkspur and Water Lily Together
Why choose one when you can combine both?
A water lily larkspur July birth flower tattoo can represent the complete July birth-flower pairing. The tall larkspur can be placed above or beside the water lily, creating an interesting contrast between height and stillness.
4. July Birth Flower With a Birth Date
Adding a meaningful date underneath a larkspur or water lily can turn a simple floral tattoo into a personal keepsake.
5. Botanical Illustration
For someone who loves detailed artwork, a botanical-style drawing can show the structure of the flower rather than relying on a simple outline.
July Birth Flower Tattoo Meaning
The July birth flower tattoo meaning depends largely on the flower and color you choose.
A larkspur tattoo can symbolize:
- First love
- A strong emotional bond
- Positivity
- Dedication
- Happiness
A water lily tattoo can represent:
- Purity
- Rebirth
- Personal transformation
- Inner peace
- New beginnings
This is why birth-flower tattoos have become such popular choices. They can look beautiful while carrying a meaning that is specific to the person wearing them.
July Birth Flower Drawing Ideas
You do not need to get a tattoo to enjoy the beauty of July’s flowers. A July birth flower drawing can be a lovely project for artists, stationery designers, journal enthusiasts, or anyone creating personalized birthday cards.
Try these approaches:
- Botanical sketch: Draw the flower with realistic leaves and stems.
- Line art: Use simple outlines for a clean, modern appearance.
- Watercolor: Experiment with soft blues, purples, pinks, and whites.
- Floral wreath: Combine larkspur and water lily with July foliage.
- Personalized illustration: Add a name, birth date, or meaningful quote.
A larkspur is especially interesting to draw because of its tall stem and clusters of small flowers. A water lily, meanwhile, gives you the opportunity to play with symmetry, floating leaves, and layered petals.
July Birth Flower Necklace: A Meaningful Gift
A July birth flower necklace is another beautiful way to turn birth-flower symbolism into something wearable.
A larkspur pendant can represent love, positivity, or dedication, while a water lily pendant can symbolize purity, renewal, or a new chapter in life.
When choosing one as a gift, consider:
- The recipient’s favorite flower
- Whether they prefer minimalist or detailed jewelry
- Silver, gold, or another metal
- Whether the necklace includes a birthstone
- Whether the flower can be personalized with an initial or date
For someone born in July, combining the flower with a ruby birthstone can create an especially meaningful birthday gift.
What Does Each July Birth Flower Symbolize?
The easiest way to remember the symbolism is to think of the flowers as two sides of July.
Larkspur = love, positivity, dedication, and lightheartedness.
Water lily = purity, innocence, rebirth, and enlightenment.
Together, they create a lovely message: love deeply, stay positive, and embrace new beginnings.
Of course, flower symbolism is cultural rather than a strict scientific rule. Meanings can vary between traditions, regions, historical sources, and even flower colors.
Interesting Facts About July Birth Flowers
Here are a few facts that make these flowers even more fascinating.
Larkspur Has a Botanical Connection
Larkspur is closely associated with delphinium, and the two names are often used interchangeably in everyday floral language. The name Delphinium comes from the Greek word delphis, meaning dolphin, referring to the flower’s distinctive shape.
Larkspur Is Beautiful but Toxic
Despite its popularity in gardens and bouquets, larkspur should not be eaten. The plant is considered poisonous to humans and animals if ingested, so it should be handled thoughtfully around children and pets.
Water Lilies Help Aquatic Ecosystems
Water lilies are more than decorative pond plants. Their leaves provide shade over the water, can help reduce algae growth, and provide habitat and food resources for aquatic wildlife.
Water Lilies Inspired Claude Monet
French Impressionist painter Claude Monet famously painted water lilies repeatedly. His garden at Giverny became an important source of inspiration, and water lilies appeared in more than 200 of his paintings.
The Water Lily Has Cultural Significance
Water lilies have been connected with purity, rebirth, and spiritual symbolism in several traditions. In Buddhism and Hinduism, their ability to emerge from water has contributed to associations with rebirth and enlightenment.
How to Choose Between Larkspur and Water Lily
Still unsure which July birth flower is right for you?
Think about the message you want your flower to communicate.
Choose larkspur if you connect with:
- Love and affection
- Joy and positivity
- Strong relationships
- Dedication
- A colorful, expressive aesthetic
Choose water lily if you connect more with:
- Peace and calm
- Purity
- Personal growth
- Rebirth
- New beginnings
And if both meanings speak to you, combining the flowers can create a design that feels even more personal.
FAQs About the July Birth Flower
What is the July birth flower?
The July birth flowers are larkspur and water lily. Larkspur is commonly listed as the primary July flower, while water lily is the secondary flower.
What is the July birth flower meaning?
The July birth flower meaning depends on which flower you mean. Larkspur is associated with positivity, love, dedication, and lightheartedness, while water lily symbolizes purity, innocence, rebirth, and enlightenment.
Is larkspur the July birth flower?
Yes. Larkspur is widely recognized as one of July’s birth flowers and is commonly listed as the primary July birth flower.
Is water lily a July birth flower?
Yes. Water lily is commonly recognized as the secondary July birth flower alongside larkspur.
What does a larkspur July birth flower tattoo mean?
A larkspur tattoo can symbolize love, positivity, dedication, sincerity, or first love, depending on the design and flower color.
What does a water lily July birth flower tattoo mean?
A water lily tattoo can represent purity, rebirth, transformation, calmness, or new beginnings. The meaning can also change depending on its color.
Can I combine larkspur and water lily in one tattoo?
Absolutely. A water lily larkspur July birth flower tattoo can combine both July flowers and their symbolism into one personalized botanical design.
What color larkspur represents first love?
Purple larkspur is traditionally associated with first love. White is associated with happiness and joy, blue with dignity and grace, and pink with fickleness.
What color water lily represents new beginnings?
Yellow water lilies are traditionally associated with energy and new beginnings, while white water lilies are associated with purity and innocence.
Is larkspur the same as delphinium?
The terms are often used interchangeably, although botanically the names can refer to closely related plants and different groups. The exact usage depends on the species and classification.
Final Thoughts on the July Birth Flower
So, what is July birth flower? The answer is beautifully simple: larkspur and water lily.
Larkspur brings a feeling of love, positivity, dedication, and youthful energy, while water lily adds a quieter message of purity, rebirth, and new beginnings. Both flowers have distinctive appearances and fascinating histories, which makes them much more than pretty symbols for a birthday.
Whether you are looking for a July birth flower tattoo, planning a July birth flower drawing, choosing a July birth flower necklace, or simply exploring the meaning behind your birth month, these flowers offer plenty of ways to make July feel personal.
And perhaps that is the best thing about birth flowers: you do not have to choose them only because they belong to your birth month. You can choose the flower whose story feels most like your own.
