By Naeem Noor | Updated on February 28, 2024
Reviewed by Rittika
The month of July has two birth flowers. The primary birth flower is the larkspur, and the secondary flower is the water lily.
Larkspur, scientifically known as Delphinium, is a group of tall plants that are admired for their vibrant colors and pointy flowers. The larkspur can reach a height of 1 to 3 feet when fully grown. Every flower has a spike in the center and five petals altogether. Flowers come in single and double variants.
Native to regions of Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean, larkspur grows wild in Europe and the United States and has spread to gardens worldwide. They are popular in borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens.
Greek mythology states that during the Battle of Troy, the larkspur blossomed from Ajax’s blood. Ajax upset that he had not been given Achilles’ armor, threw himself over his sword, spilling blood all over the place and causing the flowers to grow.
Despite being poisonous, larkspur is a representation of optimism, happiness, grace, and commitment.
Each larkspur color holds a different meaning. Blue larkspur means dignity and grace, pink larkspur symbolizes flexibility, white larkspur represents happiness and joy, and purple larkspur is a sign of first love.
They are commonly used as decorations in gardens, bouquets, and vases due to their bright and lovely colors. The flowers can be used to make a blue dye, which has also been used as ink. The petals of the larkspur plant have long been used by Native Americans to dye objects like arrows.
Fun fact: In Victorian times, it served as a protection against magic and ghosts.
Water lilies, scientifically known as Nymphaeaceae, are aquatic plants that float on the surface of ponds and lakes. They produce beautiful, fragrant flowers along with spherical, floating leaves.
Native to America, Asia, and Australia, water lilies are found in both tropical and temperate climates worldwide.
Centuries of history have been dedicated to the study of water lilies. Because the petals open and close every day, water lilies are considered to symbolize resurrection and rebirth in Buddhism and Hinduism. Also, because the lovely blooms appear from the filthy, dark bottom beneath the river’s surface, Buddhists see water lilies as a metaphor for enlightenment.
Water lilies symbolize innocence, rebirth, purity, fertility, and peace.
They are available in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white. Traditionally, water lilies—especially the white variety—have stood for innocence, virginity, and purity. Pink water lilies signify joy and friendship, red means passion and romance, blue represents calm and wisdom, and yellow symbolizes energy and new beginnings.
It has been used to treat anxiety and insomnia in addition to acting as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, and painkiller. They have also received recognition in literature and art. Over 200 paintings featuring water lilies have been produced by the French painter Claude Monet.
Fun fact: An Egyptian tradition suggests that a blue water lily served as the starting point for the creation of the Gods.
Scientific name | Delphinium |
Family | Buttercups |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Order | Ranunculales |
Scientific name | Nymphaeaceae |
Family | Nymphaeaceae |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Order | Nymphaeales |