July has two birth flowers – Larkspur and Water Lily. Both flowers are beautiful and full of meaning. They make perfect additions to any garden or craft project. These flowers have rich history and special meanings that have lasted for centuries.
Are you a gardener, crafter, or someone who loves nature? These July birth flowers will inspire you and bring joy to your projects.
What is Larkspur? A Flower of Grace and Protection
Larkspur (scientific name: Delphinium) is a tall, proud flower with spiky stems. The stems are covered in clusters of bright, colorful blooms. People connect Larkspur with grace, protection, and strong family bonds.
The flower gets its name from its shape. The flowers look like the claws of a lark bird. For many years, people have linked Larkspur to family love and devotion. It’s often given to loved ones to show lasting love.
What does Larkspur mean? In flower language (called floriography), Larkspur means positivity and protection. A bunch of Larkspur flowers, especially purple or blue ones, is thought to bring peace and strength to relationships. Many cultures see them as good luck charms.
How to Grow Larkspur in Your Garden
Larkspur is a stunning flower that adds height and bright color to any garden. This cool-weather flower grows best in mild climates. It works great in USDA plant zones 3-7. You can grow it as a yearly flower in most gardens.
When to Plant Larkspur: The best time to plant depends on where you live:
- Northern areas (Zones 3-6): Plant seeds in early spring, about 4-6 weeks before the last frost
- Milder areas (Zones 7-8): Plant in late fall or early winter for spring flowers
- Warm areas (Zones 9-10): Plant during the coolest months (late fall to early spring)
Best Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Needs full sun for at least 6 hours each day
- Soil: Must drain well – no standing water
- Temperature: Grows best when it’s 50°F to 70°F
- Climate: Struggles in hot, humid weather
How to Care for Larkspur: Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet. Make sure air can move around the plants – this stops fungal problems. Tall varieties might need stakes to hold them up, especially in windy spots. Watch for aphids, small bugs that can hurt the flowers.
Types and Garden Design: Larkspur comes in many beautiful colors. Purple is the most popular, but you can also find pink, white, and mixed-color types. Tall varieties can grow up to 4 feet high. These work great at the back of garden beds, along fences, or as cut flowers. Shorter types work well in borders and pots.
Larkspur Craft Projects and Ideas
Larkspur flowers are perfect for crafting! Their delicate petals dry really well, making them ideal for many different projects. The bright colors of Larkspur, especially purples and blues, add elegance and natural beauty to your crafts.
5 Easy Larkspur Craft Ideas:
- Dried flower arrangements and wreaths – Perfect for home decorating
- Pressed flower bookmarks – Great gifts for book lovers
- Floral garlands – Beautiful for parties and decorating
- Scrapbook pages and greeting cards – Add natural beauty to paper crafts
- Cross-stitch patterns – I think the birth flower cross stitch flowers by Ellen Maurer-Stroh are genuinely special. Here is her Larkspur pattern for July.
You can use fresh flowers right away or dry them to save for later projects. Either way, Larkspur brings beautiful color and meaning to your handmade creations.
What is a Water Lily? A Flower of Purity and Peace
The Water Lily (scientific name: Nymphaea) is the second birth flower for July. It’s known for its calm beauty and graceful petals that float on water. Water Lilies have deep meaning and represent purity, peace, and enlightenment.
Water Lily History and Meaning: In ancient Egypt, people saw Water Lilies as sacred symbols of the sun. The flowers opened each morning to greet the rising sun. This made them symbols of rebirth and new beginnings. Today, Water Lilies still represent spiritual growth, beauty, and fresh starts in life.
How to Grow Water Lilies in Your Garden
Water Lilies are different from Larkspur because they need water to grow. They’re perfect if you have a pond or want to create a container water garden. These flowers love still water, and their big, flat leaves make a peaceful surface for the flowers to rest on.
What Water Lilies Need to Grow:
- Sunlight: Need full sun for at least 6 hours each day
- Water temperature: Works best at 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C)
- Water depth: Plant the crown 6 to 18 inches below the water surface
- Clean water: Keep water free from leaves and debris
When to Plant Water Lilies: In most areas, plant Water Lilies in late fall or early spring. This lets them enjoy cooler temperatures. In hot climates, summer heat and humidity can make the flowers struggle.
How to Plant Water Lilies:
- Choose a sunny spot in your pond or water container
- Put the plant crown 6-18 inches under the water (depends on the type)
- Keep the water clean and clear
- Use aquatic fertilizer to feed your plants
- Remove dead flowers and leaves regularly
Water Lily Colors and Types: Water Lilies bloom in many colors including white, pink, and purple. Their large flowers look amazing against the green leaves. You can grow them in small ponds or large water features – both work great!
Water Lily Craft Projects and Ideas
Water Lilies make amazing designs for craft projects! Their peaceful look and symmetrical shapes work great for many different projects. The calm colors of Water Lilies – whites, pinks, and soft purples – bring tranquility and beauty to your crafts.
5 Popular Water Lily Craft Ideas:
- Cross-stitch patterns – Many patterns to choose from.
- Quilting projects – Create nature-themed quilts with Water Lily prints
- Greeting cards and decorative stationery – Perfect for letter writing and special occasions
- Candle making and soap crafting – Use Water Lily shapes in homemade bath products
- Pottery painting – Paint Water Lily designs on ceramic pieces
Whether you’re making a table runner, framed art, or decorative items, Water Lilies add a peaceful feeling to your handmade creations.
Why July Birth Flowers Make Great Gifts and Projects
Larkspur and Water Lily are both meaningful and beautiful flowers for July. They bring special meanings to your life – love, protection, peace, and new beginnings. These flowers are perfect for many different uses.
Ways to Use July Birth Flowers:
- Plant them in your garden for natural beauty
- Use them in home decorating projects
- Create craft projects with flower designs
- Give them as meaningful gifts to July babies
- Add them to wedding or party decorations
Both flowers bring grace and calm feelings to any project. Whether you’re growing them, crafting with them, or just enjoying their beauty, these July birth flowers will inspire and delight you.
Share Your Experience: Do you grow Larkspur or Water Lilies in your garden? Have you used them in craft projects? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Check back next month for another flower in our birth flower series.