July Birth Flowers: Larkspur & Water Lily Meanings

The traditional July birth flowers are larkspur and water lily.

Larkspur is commonly treated as July’s primary birth flower and symbolizes positivity, affection, an open heart, dignity, dedication, and protection.

Water lily is the secondary July birth flower and represents purity, innocence, rebirth, peace, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment.

Together, these two flowers create an interesting contrast.

Larkspur rises tall above the garden in colorful flower spikes, while water lilies rest quietly on the surface of ponds.

One represents openness and celebration.

The other represents calmness, renewal, and inner peace.

What Is the July Birth Flower?

July has two traditional birth flowers:

July Birth Flower	Main Meanings	Common Colors
Larkspur	Positivity, affection, open heart, dignity, protection	Blue, purple, pink, white
Water Lily	Purity, rebirth, peace, enlightenment	White, pink, blue, purple, red

The Old Farmer’s Almanac also recognizes larkspur and water lily as July’s two traditional birth flowers.

Is Larkspur or Water Lily the Main July Birth Flower?

Most modern birth-flower guides list larkspur first, so it is generally considered the primary July birth flower.

Water lily is usually presented as the secondary flower.

Both are valid.

If you are choosing a birthday bouquet, larkspur is usually more practical because it is a common cut flower.

Water lilies are aquatic plants and are not normally used in standard vase arrangements. Current florist guides make the same practical distinction.

July Birth Flower #1: Larkspur

Larkspur is known for its tall, elegant flower spikes.

Its blooms commonly appear in shades of:

Blue
Purple
Pink
White

The flower is strongly associated with midsummer gardens and cottage-style planting.

Its symbolism is bright and positive, making it especially appropriate for birthday gifts.

Larkspur Flower Meaning

Larkspur most commonly symbolizes:

Positivity
Joy
Affection
An open heart
Dedication
Celebration
Protection
Dignity

The Old Farmer’s Almanac describes larkspur as a symbol of positivity and dedication, while Floraly emphasizes positive sentiment, celebration, and protection.

This gives larkspur a warm emotional message.

A larkspur gift can say:

“Stay positive.”

“I appreciate you.”

“Celebrate how far you have come.”

Why Does Larkspur Symbolize an Open Heart?

The open, airy arrangement of larkspur blooms helped create modern associations with openness and positive emotion.

In flower symbolism, an “open heart” suggests:

Emotional honesty
Affection
Generosity
Warmth
Willingness to connect

That makes larkspur a particularly good flower for friendship, birthdays, and celebrations.

Larkspur Spiritual Meaning

The spiritual meaning of larkspur centers on:

Positivity
Protection
Emotional openness
Joy
Dignity
Personal growth

Traditional folklore also associated larkspur with protection from harmful forces.

Floraly notes older beliefs connecting larkspur with protection from scorpions and negative energy.

Today, that symbolism is better understood metaphorically.

Larkspur can represent protecting your joy and maintaining a positive outlook despite difficult circumstances.

Larkspur Meaning by Color

Blue Larkspur Meaning

Blue larkspur symbolizes:

Dignity
Grace
Trust
Calmness
Respect

Deep blue larkspur can feel especially elegant and formal.

Floraly associates true blue larkspur with grace and dignity.

Light Blue Larkspur Meaning

Light blue larkspur can represent:

Youth
Success
New life
Remembrance
Peace

This softer color makes it suitable for:

New babies
Graduation gifts
Memorial arrangements
New beginnings

Purple Larkspur Meaning

Purple larkspur symbolizes:

Royalty
Beauty
Dignity
Admiration
Achievement

Its regal color makes it especially appropriate for congratulations and milestone celebrations.

Pink Larkspur Meaning

Pink larkspur commonly represents:

Romance
Affection
Friendship
Gentle love
Appreciation

Pink varieties are ideal when you want the message to feel warm without being overly formal.

White Larkspur Meaning

White larkspur symbolizes:

Purity
Innocence
Peace
Spirituality
Sincerity

White larkspur works particularly well in weddings and sympathy arrangements.

Larkspur vs. Delphinium: Are They the Same?

This is one of the most confusing parts of the topic.

The words larkspur and delphinium are often used interchangeably in floristry, but botanically they are not always identical.

Traditional annual larkspurs are often classified in Consolida, while perennial delphiniums belong to the genus Delphinium.

However, taxonomy and common naming have shifted over time, and florists frequently use the names loosely.

The name Delphinium comes from the Greek word delphis, meaning dolphin, referring to the shape of the flower bud.

The name larkspur refers to the flower’s spur, which was thought to resemble the claw or spur of a lark.

Floraly also explains these naming origins in its article.

Is Larkspur Poisonous?

Yes.

Larkspur should not be treated as an edible flower.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac warns that larkspur plants are poisonous.

Keep larkspur away from:

Small children
Dogs
Cats
Grazing animals

If significant plant material is eaten, professional medical or veterinary advice should be sought.

July Birth Flower #2: Water Lily

Water lilies are very different from larkspur.

They are aquatic plants whose roots grow in sediment beneath the water while their leaves and flowers appear at or near the surface.

True water lilies belong to the family Nymphaeaceae.

They are famous for their serene appearance and are often associated with:

Peace
Purity
Rebirth
Enlightenment
Inner calm

Floraly similarly connects water lilies with purity, resurrection, and enlightenment.

Water Lily Flower Meaning

Water lilies commonly symbolize:

Purity
Innocence
Rebirth
Renewal
Peace
Enlightenment
Beauty
Spiritual awakening

The flower’s symbolism comes largely from the way it emerges clean and beautiful from water and sediment.

This has made it a natural metaphor for growth beyond difficult circumstances.

Water Lily Spiritual Meaning

The spiritual meaning of the water lily is especially strong.

It can represent:

Purity — remaining spiritually clear despite imperfect surroundings.

Rebirth — emerging into a new stage of life.

Enlightenment — developing deeper understanding.

Inner peace — remaining calm despite what is happening below the surface.

Transformation — becoming something new without denying where you began.

That makes the water lily one of the more meditative birth flowers in the calendar.

Why Does Water Lily Symbolize Rebirth?

Water lilies grow from below the surface and produce flowers above the water.

That movement from darkness toward light creates a natural symbol of renewal.

Many species also open and close their flowers according to light and environmental conditions.

Together, these qualities helped create associations with:

Life cycles
Renewal
Resurrection
New beginnings

Water Lily Meaning by Color

White Water Lily Meaning

White water lilies symbolize:

Purity
Innocence
Peace
Spiritual clarity
Renewal

Floraly specifically associates white water lilies with purity and mental purity.

Blue Water Lily Meaning

Blue water lilies are associated with:

Knowledge
Wisdom
Calmness
Spiritual awareness
Understanding

Floraly connects blue water lilies with the power of knowledge.

Purple Water Lily Meaning

Purple water lilies commonly symbolize:

Power
Spirituality
Dignity
Mystery

Their color adds a more regal or spiritual quality to the flower.

Red Water Lily Meaning

Red water lilies symbolize:

Love
Romance
Passion
Emotional depth

Floraly similarly links red water lilies with pure love and romance.

Pink Water Lily Meaning

Pink water lilies can represent:

Affection
Grace
Compassion
Gentle love
Beauty

Pink gives the water lily a softer emotional meaning than red.

Water Lily vs. Lotus: Are They the Same?

No.

This is an important distinction.

Water lilies and lotus flowers can look similar because both are aquatic plants, but they belong to different botanical families.

Water lilies: Nymphaeaceae

Lotus: Nelumbonaceae

Water-lily leaves and flowers often sit directly on or near the water surface.

Lotus leaves and flowers typically rise higher above the water on stronger stems.

Floraly also warns that the two are often confused.

For a deeper explanation of lotus symbolism, read our Lotus Flower Meaning guide.

Larkspur vs. Water Lily: Meaning Comparison

Meaning	Larkspur	Water Lily
Positivity	✓
Affection	✓	✓
Open heart	✓
Protection	✓
Purity		✓
Rebirth		✓
Peace		✓
Enlightenment		✓
Dignity	✓	✓

The easiest way to remember the difference is:

Larkspur = positivity, affection, openness

Water lily = purity, rebirth, peace

What Do July Birth Flowers Say About Personality?

Birth-flower personality descriptions are symbolic rather than scientific.

Still, the combination of larkspur and water lily suggests someone who may be:

Positive
Emotionally open
Caring
Reflective
Loyal
Calm
Creative
Resilient

Larkspur contributes:

enthusiasm, openness, warmth, celebration.

Water lily contributes:

peace, reflection, rebirth, emotional depth.

Together, they suggest someone who can be both expressive and thoughtful.

What Is the July Birth Flower for Cancer?

People born under Cancer during July can claim larkspur and water lily as their traditional July birth flowers.

Water lily symbolism may feel especially compatible with popular Cancer themes because of its:

Water connection
Emotional depth
Calmness
Intuition

However, birth flowers and zodiac symbolism are separate traditions.

What Is the July Birth Flower for Leo?

People born under Leo in late July also have larkspur and water lily as their birth flowers.

Larkspur’s themes of:

positivity
celebration
dignity
confidence

may feel particularly compatible with modern Leo symbolism.

Again, this is a modern symbolic comparison rather than a traditional botanical connection.

July Birth Flower Tattoo Meaning

A July birth-flower tattoo may include:

Larkspur
Water lily
Both flowers together

Such a tattoo can represent:

A July birthday
A child born in July
A loved one born in July
Positivity
Rebirth
Peace
Protection
Love
Personal growth

Larkspur Tattoo Meaning

A larkspur tattoo can symbolize:

Positivity
Open-heartedness
Protection
Dignity
Love

Water Lily Tattoo Meaning

A water lily tattoo can symbolize:

Rebirth
Inner peace
Purity
Spiritual growth
Enlightenment

Combining both creates a clear July birth-month design.

Best July Birth Flower Gift Ideas

For a July Birthday

Larkspur is usually the easiest fresh-flower choice.

Its height and color make it an excellent addition to a birthday bouquet.

For Someone Starting a New Chapter

Water lily symbolism is especially meaningful because of its connection with rebirth and renewal.

For a Friend

Blue, purple, or pink larkspur can represent positivity and affection.

For Someone Who Needs Encouragement

Larkspur symbolizes optimism and celebration.

For Someone Seeking Peace

Water-lily-inspired gifts can symbolize tranquillity and spiritual balance.

Can You Give Water Lilies in a Bouquet?

Usually not in the same way you would give roses or larkspur.

Water lilies are aquatic plants and are difficult to use as ordinary long-stemmed cut flowers.

This is why florists often recommend alternatives such as:

Water-lily plants
Pond plants
Artwork
Jewelry
Water-lily-inspired gifts

Floraly makes the same practical point, noting that water lilies may be difficult to include in a standard birthday bouquet.

Are July Birth Flowers Safe Around Pets?

Larkspur requires particular caution because it is toxic if eaten.

Water-lily safety depends on the exact species and animal involved, so plant identification still matters.

As a general rule:

Do not allow pets to chew unknown ornamental plants.
Keep larkspur well out of reach.
Confirm species before introducing pond plants to areas accessible to animals.

Frequently Asked Questions About July Birth Flowers

What is the July birth flower?

July has two traditional birth flowers: larkspur and water lily.

What is the primary July birth flower?

Larkspur is generally listed first and is commonly treated as July’s primary birth flower.

What does the July birth flower mean?

Larkspur represents positivity, affection, dedication, and an open heart. Water lily symbolizes purity, rebirth, peace, and enlightenment.

What does larkspur symbolize?

Larkspur symbolizes positivity, celebration, affection, dignity, protection, and emotional openness.

What does a water lily symbolize?

Water lilies represent purity, rebirth, innocence, tranquillity, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment.

What does blue larkspur mean?

Blue larkspur symbolizes dignity, grace, trust, and calmness.

What does pink larkspur mean?

Pink larkspur symbolizes affection, romance, friendship, and gentle love.

What does white larkspur symbolize?

White larkspur represents purity, innocence, peace, and spirituality.

What does a white water lily mean?

White water lilies symbolize purity, innocence, spiritual clarity, and peace.

What does a blue water lily symbolize?

Blue water lilies represent knowledge, wisdom, spiritual awareness, and calm.

Is larkspur the same as delphinium?

The names are often used interchangeably in floristry, but they are not always botanically identical. Annual larkspurs are often classified separately from perennial delphiniums.

Is water lily the same as lotus?

No. Water lilies belong to Nymphaeaceae, while lotus belongs to Nelumbonaceae.

Are larkspurs poisonous?

Yes. Larkspur plants are toxic and should be kept away from children and pets.

What does a July birth-flower tattoo mean?

A July birth-flower tattoo can represent positivity, rebirth, peace, protection, love, or a July birthday.

Final Thoughts: What Are the July Birth Flowers?

The July birth flowers are larkspur and water lily, two flowers with very different appearances but complementary meanings.

The tall, colorful larkspur symbolizes:

positivity, affection, celebration, dignity, and an open heart.

The serene water lily symbolizes:

purity, rebirth, peace, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment.

One rises upward.

The other rests quietly on the water.

Together, they create a fitting message for July:

Live openly, celebrate joy, and keep enough inner calm to continue growing through change.

For a complete overview of every month, explore our Birth Flowers by Month guide.

You can also read our Lotus Flower Meaning article to understand the important difference between lotus flowers and water lilies.