Flowers are a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays and express your feelings for someone. Each month has its own official birth flower that represents the qualities and characteristics of the people born in that month. In this article, we will explore the July birth flowers and their meanings, as well as some other popular in-season flowers that you can use to create stunning floral arrangements and bouquets for your loved ones.
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Larkspur: The Primary July Birth Flowers
Larkspur is the primary birth flower for July. It is a beautiful and delicate flower that comes in a variety of colors, such as purple, pink, white, and blue. Larkspur has a long and interesting history and symbolism that makes it a perfect choice for July birthdays. Know more about July Birth Flowers: Larkspur and Water Lily Click here.
History and Origins of Larkspur
Larkspur got its name from the shape of its petals, which resemble the spur of a lark’s foot. It is also known as delphinium, which means dolphin in Greek, because the flower buds look like the nose of a dolphin. Larkspur is associated with Greek mythology, especially with the god Apollo, who was said to have created the flower from the blood of his fallen warriors.
Larkspur belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, which includes buttercups, anemones, and clematis. There are over 300 species of larkspur, mostly native to the Northern Hemisphere. Larkspur is a perennial plant that grows up to 6 feet tall and produces spikes of flowers in the summer.
Meanings and Symbolism of Larkspur
Larkspur has a rich and varied symbolism in the language of flowers. In general, larkspur signifies love, affection, loyalty, and joy. It also symbolizes protection, courage, and strength, as well as lightness and levity. Larkspur can also convey different messages depending on the color of the flower. For example:
- Purple larkspur represents dignity, grace, and elegance. It is also a symbol of royalty and spirituality. Purple larkspur is a great way to show your admiration and respect for someone.
- Pink larkspur represents romance, sweetness, and femininity. It is also a symbol of friendship and kindness. Pink larkspur is a lovely way to express your affection and appreciation for someone.
- White larkspur represents purity, innocence, and sincerity. It is also a symbol of peace and harmony. White larkspur is a beautiful way to convey your honesty and goodwill for someone.
- Blue larkspur represents trust, faith, and wisdom. It is also a symbol of calmness and serenity. Blue larkspur is a wonderful way to communicate your loyalty and devotion for someone.
Larkspur is a suitable flower for many occasions and messages, such as:
- Celebrating a July birthday or anniversary
- Congratulating someone on their achievement or success
- Thanking someone for their help or support
- Apologizing to someone for a mistake or misunderstanding
- Wishing someone good luck or happiness
- Expressing your love or admiration for someone
Varieties and Cultivation of Larkspur
Larkspur flowers come in different types and colors, each with its own charm and beauty. Some of the most common and popular varieties of larkspur are:
- Pacific Giant: This is a hybrid variety that produces large and showy flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and is ideal for borders and backgrounds.
- Magic Fountain: This is a dwarf variety that produces compact and dense flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
- Candle Larkspur: This is a wild variety that produces slender and graceful flowers in shades of purple, blue, and white. It can grow up to 4 feet tall and is ideal for natural and informal settings.
Larkspur is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for, as long as you follow some basic guidelines. Here are some tips and advice on how to grow and care for larkspur plants:
- Choose a sunny and well-drained location for your larkspur plants. Avoid planting them in wet or shady areas, as they can cause fungal diseases or poor flowering.
- Sow the seeds of larkspur in early spring or fall, depending on your climate. Larkspur seeds need a period of cold stratification to germinate, so you can either refrigerate them for a few weeks before planting or sow them directly in the ground before winter.
- Water your larkspur plants regularly, but not excessively. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and avoid overhead watering, as it can cause the flowers to droop or rot.
- Fertilize your larkspur plants once or twice during the growing season, using a balanced and organic fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause the plants to grow too tall and weak, and prone to falling over.
- Stake your larkspur plants if they grow too tall or heavy, especially in windy or rainy conditions. Use bamboo stakes or wooden supports to keep the plants upright and stable.
- Deadhead your larkspur plants to encourage more blooming and prevent self-seeding. Cut off the spent flowers as soon as they fade, and dispose of them properly. You can also leave some seeds on the plants if you want them to reseed themselves for the next year.
- Prune your larkspur plants after they finish flowering, to maintain their shape and health. Cut back the stems to about 6 inches above the ground, and remove any dead or diseased parts.
Larkspur is a versatile and attractive flower that can be used in various floral arrangements and bouquets. Here are some ways to use larkspur in your floral designs:
- Mix larkspur with other summer flowers, such as sunflowers, roses, daisies, and carnations, to create a colorful and cheerful bouquet.
- Combine larkspur with other July birth flowers, such as water lily, to create a meaningful and elegant bouquet.
- Arrange larkspur with other blue flowers, such as hydrangea, iris, and delphinium, to create a cool and soothing bouquet.
- Pair larkspur with other purple flowers, such as lavender, lilac, and orchid, to create a royal and sophisticated bouquet.
- Contrast larkspur with other white flowers, such as lily, gardenia, and baby’s breath, to create a pure and graceful bouquet.
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Water Lily: The Secondary July Birth Flowers
Water lily is the secondary birth flower for July. It is a stunning and exotic flower that floats on the surface of the water. Water lily has a long and fascinating history and symbolism that makes it a unique and special choice for July birthdays. Click here for Know about July Birth Flowers Meaning: Delphinium & Water Lily.
History and Origins of Water Lily
Water lily is one of the oldest and most ancient plants on Earth. It has been around for over 200 million years, and has evolved to adapt to different environments and climates. Water lily is also known as lotus, which is the sacred flower of many religions and cultures, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Egypt.
Water lily belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, which includes over 70 species of aquatic plants. Water lily is a perennial plant that grows from rhizomes or tubers in the mud. It produces large and fragrant flowers that open in the morning and close at night.
Meanings and Symbolism of Water Lily
Water lily has a deep and complex symbolism in the language of flowers. In general, water lily signifies purity, enlightenment, rebirth, and beauty. It also symbolizes peace, tranquility, and harmony, as well as passion, devotion, and faith. Water lily can also convey different messages depending on the type and color of the flower. For example:
- White water lily represents innocence, purity, and chastity. It is also a symbol of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. White water lily is a perfect way to show your respect and admiration for someone.
- Pink water lily represents love, romance, and femininity. It is also a symbol of compassion and kindness. Pink water lily is a lovely way to express your affection and appreciation for someone.
- Yellow water lily represents joy, happiness, and optimism. It is also a symbol of friendship and loyalty. Yellow water lily is a wonderful way to communicate your cheerfulness and support for someone.
- Red water lily represents passion, desire, and courage. It is also a symbol of power and strength. Red water lily is a great way to convey your attraction and confidence for someone.
Water lily is a suitable flower for many occasions and messages, such as:
- Celebrating a July birthday or anniversary
- Congratulating someone on their achievement or success
- Thanking someone for their help or support
- Apologizing to someone for a mistake or misunderstanding
- Wishing someone good luck or happiness
- Expressing your love or admiration for someone
Varieties and Cultivation of Water Lily
Water lily flowers come in different types and sizes, each with its own charm and beauty. Some of the most common and popular varieties of water lily are:
- Hardy water lily: This is a type of water lily that can survive in cold climates and winter conditions. It produces flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red. It can grow up to 6 feet across and is ideal for ponds and lakes.
- Tropical water lily: This is a type of water lily that can only thrive in warm climates and summer conditions. It produces flowers in shades of blue, purple, and violet. It can grow up to 12 feet across and is ideal for pools and tubs.
- Dwarf water lily: This is a type of water lily that is smaller and more compact than the other types. It produces flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red. It can grow up to 2 feet across and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
Water lily is a relatively difficult plant to grow and care for, as it requires specific conditions and maintenance. Here are some tips and advice on how to grow and care for water lily plants:
- Choose a sunny and sheltered location for your water lily plants. Avoid planting them in windy or shady areas, as they can affect the flowering and growth of the plants.
- Plant the rhizomes or tubers of water lily in large and deep containers filled with rich and loamy soil. Make sure the containers have drainage holes and are submerged in water at least 6 inches below the surface. You can also plant them directly in the mud at the bottom of a pond or lake, if you have one.
- Water your water lily plants regularly, but not excessively. Keep the water level constant, and avoid splashing or spraying the leaves or flowers, as it can cause fungal diseases or poor flowering.
- Fertilize your water lily plants once or twice during the growing season, using a slow-release and aquatic fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause the plants to grow too fast and produce fewer flowers.
- Prune your water lily plants to remove any dead or diseased parts, and to control the spread of the plants. Cut off any unwanted leaves or flowers, and dispose of them properly. You can also divide the rhizomes or tubers of water lily every few years to propagate new plants.
- Protect your water lily plants from frost and cold weather, especially if you have tropical water lilies. You can either move the containers indoors or cover them with a layer of mulch or straw. You can also leave the plants in the water, but make sure the water does not freeze or become too cold.
Water lily is a stunning and exotic flower that can be used in various floral arrangements and bouquets. Here are some ways to use water lily in your floral designs:
- Mix water lily with other aquatic plants, such as lotus, cattail, and water hyacinth, to create a natural and serene bouquet.
- Combine water lily with other July birth flowers, such as larkspur, to create a meaningful and elegant bouquet.
- Arrange water lily with other tropical flowers, such as orchid, hibiscus, and bird of paradise, to create a vibrant and exotic bouquet.
- Pair water lily with other white flowers, such as rose, gardenia, and magnolia, to create a pure and graceful bouquet.
- Contrast water lily with other colorful flowers, such as gerbera, tulip, and dahlia, to create a lively and cheerful bouquet.
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Other Popular In-Season July Birth Flowers
Besides larkspur and water lily, there are many other flowers that bloom in July and have their own meanings and symbolism. These flowers are also suitable for celebrating July birthdays and events, and can be combined with the July birth flowers to create stunning floral arrangements and bouquets. Here are some of the other popular in-season July flowers and their meanings:
- Sunflower: Sunflower is a bright and cheerful flower that symbolizes happiness, positivity, and admiration. It is also a symbol of loyalty, longevity, and faith. Sunflower is a great way to express your joy and appreciation for someone.
- Rose: Rose is a classic and romantic flower that symbolizes love, passion, and beauty. It is also a symbol of respect, gratitude, and friendship. Rose can convey different messages depending on the color and number of the flower. For example, a single red rose means “I love you”, while a dozen yellow roses mean “I’m sorry”.
- Daisy: Daisy is a simple and sweet flower that symbolizes innocence, purity, and cheerfulness. It is also a symbol of loyalty, honesty, and simplicity. Daisy is a lovely way to communicate your innocence and cheerfulness for someone.
- Carnation: Carnation is a fragrant and versatile flower that symbolizes love, affection, and admiration. It is also a symbol of pride, gratitude, and remembrance. Carnation can also convey different messages depending on the color of the flower. For example, a pink carnation means “I’ll never forget you”, while a white carnation means “I’m sorry”.
- Gladiolus: Gladiolus is a striking and elegant flower that symbolizes strength, courage, and honor. It is also a symbol of sincerity, loyalty, and generosity. Gladiolus is a wonderful way to show your respect and admiration for someone.
July birth flowers are larkspur and water lily, which have different meanings and symbolism depending on the type and color of the flower. Larkspur signifies love, affection, loyalty, and joy, while water lily signifies purity, enlightenment, rebirth, and beauty. These flowers are perfect for celebrating July birthdays and events, and can be used in various floral arrangements and bouquets. You can also mix them with other popular in-season July flowers, such as sunflower, rose, daisy, carnation, and gladiolus, to create stunning and meaningful floral designs. July birth flowers are a beautiful and thoughtful way to express your feelings and celebrate your loved ones.
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