July Birth Flower: Larkspur Meaning, Colors, Tattoos & Gift Ideas

October 15, 2026

Gold July birth flower heart necklace with larkspur engraving on 316L stainless steel

July's birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily. Larkspur is the primary flower and water lily the secondary one, and The Old Farmer's Almanac gives July the meanings positivity, lightness, and purity. Both flowers offer beautiful inspiration for birthday gifts, botanical tattoos, and meaningful family keepsakes.

Shopping for a July birthday? Our larkspur heart necklace ($39 USD) and larkspur bar necklace ($42 USD) are laser-engraved with the July larkspur on 316L stainless steel, in 18K gold PVD, 18K rose gold PVD or polished steel. The flower design comes pre-engraved, so there is no name or text to add.

July birth flower at a glance

Flower(s)	Larkspur is the primary July birth flower; water lily is the secondary July birth flower.
Meaning	Positivity, lightness, and purity.
Popular colors	Larkspur commonly blooms in blue, purple, pink, and white. Water lilies appear in white, pink, yellow, and other shades, depending on the species or cultivar.
Season	Larkspur generally flowers from late spring into summer. Many hardy water lilies bloom during the warmer months. Timing varies by climate and variety.
July zodiac signs	Cancer until July 22; Leo from July 23.
Birthstone	Ruby.
Gift idea	A larkspur birth flower necklace, a seasonal bouquet, a botanical illustration, or a birthday card explaining the flower's symbolism.

What does the larkspur mean?

Larkspur traditionally symbolizes positivity, an open heart, lightness, and affection. Its tall stems carry clusters of delicate flowers that seem to rise above the garden, making it a fitting symbol for someone whose presence brings warmth and encouragement.

In the Victorian language of flowers, larkspur was often associated with an open heart, lightheartedness, and affectionate feelings. Interpretations varied across flower-language guides, and different colors sometimes carried different messages. These meanings are traditions rather than universal definitions.

The flower's upward-growing shape also makes it a natural symbol of encouragement and looking ahead. For a July birthday, that connection can feel especially personal for someone starting a new chapter, celebrating an accomplishment, or simply bringing joy to the people around them.

Larkspur belongs to a group of flowers closely associated with delphiniums. Their spurred blossoms and tall flowering stems give them a recognizable botanical silhouette, particularly in drawings and fine-line tattoos.

For someone who is always cheering everyone else on, a larkspur can carry a simple message: the happiness you bring into other people's lives matters. That is a lovely sentiment for a daughter, sister, friend, mother, or grandmother celebrating a July birthday.

Larkspur colors and their meanings

One reason larkspur works so beautifully in a July birthday bouquet is its range of colors. Blue and purple are especially recognizable, but pink and white varieties offer softer alternatives. Traditional color symbolism can help shape a gift or tattoo, although the recipient's favorite color matters just as much.

Blue larkspur: often associated with dignity, trust, and a peaceful spirit. Its cool tones work well for understated botanical drawings and meaningful friendship gifts.
Purple larkspur: traditionally linked with affection, first love, and admiration. Purple flowers can make a thoughtful choice for a partner or someone whose presence has made a lasting impression.
Pink larkspur: often associated with affection, changing feelings, or a gentle romantic connection. In some flower-language traditions, pink larkspur has been connected with a more changeable heart.
White larkspur: commonly connected with happiness, purity, and sincerity. White blossoms offer a delicate choice for a daughter, mother, or close friend.
Mixed-color larkspur: a cheerful way to combine several shades without assigning one fixed meaning to every flower. A mixed bouquet can celebrate the many qualities you appreciate in someone.

If you are choosing flowers for a July birthday, blue and white larkspur create a soft, airy combination. Purple and pink bring a warmer, more expressive feeling. For a tattoo or botanical print, color can add personality, but a black-ink drawing can communicate the same symbolism through the flower's distinctive shape.

The second July birth flower: Water Lily

Water lily is July's secondary birth flower. While larkspur grows upward on tall flowering stems, the water lily opens across the surface of still water. Together, the two flowers offer very different interpretations of summer beauty.

Water lilies are often associated with purity, peace, renewal, and tranquility in traditional symbolism. Their blossoms emerge above floating leaves, creating an image of calm even when the water beneath them is deep or moving.

Depending on the species, water lilies may have white, pink, yellow, or other colored blossoms. Their broad floating leaves and layered petals make them especially recognizable in botanical artwork. White water lilies are often connected with purity and serenity, while pink varieties can suggest tenderness and affection in contemporary floral symbolism.

Water lily vs lotus: these are different plants, although they are frequently confused in tattoo searches and illustrations. Water lilies generally have leaves that float on the water's surface, while lotus plants often hold their leaves and flowers above it. The distinction can vary in appearance, so a botanical reference is useful when accuracy matters.

For a July birthday, a water lily is a thoughtful alternative for someone who appreciates quiet moments, peaceful places, or the idea of a fresh beginning. A framed water lily illustration or a small botanical sketch can carry that meaning without needing an elaborate gift.

Larkspur vs water lily: which July flower should you use?

Choose larkspur when you want the primary July birth flower and a symbol traditionally associated with positivity, affection, and an open heart. Its tall flowering stem suits vertical artwork, delicate jewelry engravings, and family birth flower bouquets.

Choose water lily when you prefer a broader, layered flower associated with peace, purity, and calm. Its rounded shape lends itself beautifully to watercolor illustrations, larger tattoos, and artwork inspired by ponds or summer gardens.

For a July birth flower tattoo, consider the composition. A single larkspur stem fits naturally along the forearm, ankle, or upper arm. A water lily works well as a centered design on the shoulder, thigh, or upper back, where there is room for its layered petals.

You can also combine both flowers in one illustration. The contrast between a tall larkspur stem and a water lily bloom creates a composition that represents both of July's traditional birth flowers without relying on words or dates.

Quick care for July birth flowers

Larkspur and water lilies grow in very different environments. If you are giving a living plant rather than artwork or jewelry, choose one that suits the recipient's space and growing conditions.

Garden larkspur: generally prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil. Many varieties perform well in cooler growing conditions, and flowering times vary by location.
Cut larkspur: place the stems in a clean vase with fresh water, remove leaves that would sit below the waterline, and keep the arrangement away from excessive heat.
Water lilies: are aquatic plants that typically need a suitable pond or water garden. Many hardy varieties grow in containers submerged at an appropriate depth and prefer plenty of sunlight.
Birthday gifting: a cut larkspur bouquet is generally simpler than giving a live water lily, which requires a suitable aquatic setup. A botanical illustration is an easy alternative when space is limited.

A note about larkspur: larkspur and related delphinium plants contain toxic compounds and can be dangerous if eaten by people, pets, or livestock. Keep cut arrangements and garden plants away from anyone or any animal that might chew or ingest them. If gifting to a household with curious pets, consider a botanical print or engraved flower design instead.

History and fun facts

The name describes the flower's shape. Larkspur refers to the pointed spur found on the back of its blossoms, which resembles the spur of a bird. This feature helps distinguish the flower in detailed botanical drawings.
Larkspur and delphinium are closely related. The name larkspur is used for several plants in the buttercup family. Some classifications distinguish annual larkspurs from perennial delphiniums, so common names can overlap.
Water lilies belong to the family Nymphaeaceae. Their floating leaves and flowers are adapted to life in freshwater. Different species grow in temperate and tropical environments.
Not all water lilies bloom in the same way. Depending on the species, flowers may open during the day or at night. This makes the water lily more varied than a single familiar garden-pond image suggests.
Both flowers have distinctive silhouettes. Larkspur is recognizable by its upright cluster of spurred blossoms, while water lily is known for layered petals and broad floating leaves. Those differences make them useful references for July birth flower drawings, tattoos, and illustrations.

July birth flower tattoo and design ideas

A July birth flower tattoo can celebrate a birthday, a child, a parent, or a relationship that deserves a permanent reminder. Larkspur is especially popular as a fine-line botanical subject because its tall stem and clustered flowers fit naturally into narrow spaces. Water lily offers a softer, rounded alternative with more room for layered detail.

If you are looking for a July birth flower tattoo drawing, begin with a clear botanical reference. Larkspur has several small, irregular blossoms along its stem, often with a distinctive spur. Avoid replacing them with generic five-petaled flowers if you want the design to be recognizable as larkspur.

Fine-line and minimalist July birth flower tattoos

Single-stem larkspur tattoo: one upright stem with a few open blooms and smaller buds. A classic minimalist design for the inner forearm, outer ankle, or upper arm.
Small July birth flower tattoo: simplify the design to two or three larkspur blossoms with a short stem. A wrist or ankle placement can work, provided the flowers are large enough to remain distinct.
Delicate larkspur outline: use thin black lines with minimal shading to highlight the spurred petals and narrow leaves. This works beautifully along the collarbone or the back of the arm.
Water lily line-art tattoo: a single open flower viewed from above, with layered petals and a subtle center. The shoulder or upper back provides space to preserve the overlapping petal shapes.

July birth flower tattoos with names, dates, and family meaning

July birth flower tattoo with a name: place a child's, partner's, or parent's name alongside the larkspur stem. Keep the lettering separate enough that the flower remains recognizable.
Larkspur tattoo with a birth date: add a small date beneath the stem or align the numbers vertically beside it. This creates a personal design without changing the botanical artwork.
Family birth flower bouquet tattoo: use larkspur for a July child or grandchild, then add a separate birth flower for each family member. Vary the heights of the stems to create a natural arrangement.
July birth flower memorial tattoo: pair a larkspur stem or water lily with meaningful initials or a date. A restrained composition can keep the focus on remembrance rather than decoration.
Larkspur and water lily tattoo: combine July's two flowers in one design. A taller larkspur stem can rise beside a water lily bloom, balancing vertical movement with a rounded focal point.

Color, zodiac, and placement ideas

Purple larkspur tattoo: soft violet shading can emphasize traditional associations with affection and admiration. Keep the petals individually defined rather than relying entirely on color.
Blue larkspur watercolor tattoo: a pale blue wash behind black botanical outlines adds movement without obscuring the flower's details.
White water lily tattoo: use negative space, shading, and carefully outlined petals to suggest a pale bloom. White ink alone may not provide the same contrast on every skin tone.
Larkspur with Cancer or Leo: pair the flower with a small Cancer glyph for birthdays through July 22 or a Leo-inspired detail from July 23 onward. Keep the symbol smaller than the flower if the birth month is the main theme.
Matching family tattoos: two people can choose the same larkspur drawing in different sizes or placements. A shared botanical design can feel connected without requiring identical lettering.

Where should you place a July birth flower tattoo? The inner forearm is especially versatile for a tall larkspur stem, lettering, or a family bouquet. The outer upper arm offers more space for multiple blossoms. The ankle suits a simplified vertical stem, while the collarbone works for a delicate, slightly curved arrangement. A shoulder blade or thigh provides more room for a water lily's layered petals.

For a very small larkspur tattoo, ask your tattoo artist how much separation the blossoms, leaves, and fine lines need. Tiny details can become less distinct as a tattoo ages, so a slightly larger drawing may preserve the flower's character more clearly. Placement, skin tone, line weight, and the artist's technique also affect the final result.

If you love the idea of a July birth flower design but are not ready for a tattoo, the same botanical reference can become a framed drawing, embroidered keepsake, journal illustration, or birthday card. You can preserve the meaning without making the design permanent.

July birthday gift ideas built around the flower

A meaningful July birth flower gift does not need to be elaborate. What matters is connecting the flower to the person receiving it. Larkspur's traditional associations with positivity and an open heart provide an easy starting point for a birthday note, a small piece of jewelry, or a thoughtful botanical keepsake.

July birth flower card message ideas

A few personal words can make a July birthday gift feel more intentional. These messages work with a larkspur necklace, a bouquet, or a botanical illustration.

Classic birthday note: "Your July birth flower is the larkspur, a symbol of positivity and an open heart. It reminded me of the joy you bring to everyone around you."
For someone who brings happiness: "Like the larkspur reaching toward the summer sky, you have a way of making every day feel a little brighter. Happy birthday."
Water lily note: "A water lily for your July birthday, and a reminder that there is beauty in quiet moments, new beginnings, and simply being yourself."

July birth flower heart necklace. Our July birth flower heart necklace features a pre-designed larkspur laser-engraved on 316L stainless steel. It comes in 18K gold PVD, 18K rose gold PVD, or polished stainless steel finishes, with an 18-inch chain. The petite heart measures 0.63 x 0.55 in (16 x 14 mm). At $39 USD, it is a sentimental choice for a daughter, partner, mom, or close friend celebrating a July birthday.

July birth flower bar necklace. Our July birth flower bar necklace carries the same pre-designed larkspur on a slim vertical bar measuring 1.26 x 0.20 in (32 x 5 mm). It is laser-engraved on 316L stainless steel, available in the same three finishes, and includes an 18-inch chain. At $42 USD, it suits someone who prefers understated jewelry and a clean, elongated silhouette.

Both necklaces feature a pre-designed July larkspur engraving and are not personalized with names or dates. Both are made from 316L stainless steel for everyday wear and include an 18-inch chain. Free US and Canada shipping is included, and orders ship within 2-5 days. To explore other months, browse our birth flower necklaces. For more information about the material and everyday care, read whether stainless steel jewelry tarnishes.

Shop the July heart necklace · Shop the July bar necklace

There are also lovely ways to celebrate July's flowers without choosing jewelry:

A seasonal larkspur bouquet: choose a few tall flowering stems in the recipient's favorite shades and include a note explaining the symbolism. Remember that larkspur is toxic if ingested and may not suit homes with pets or young children.
A water lily illustration: frame a botanical drawing of an open water lily with its floating leaves. This makes a peaceful, summer-inspired gift for someone who enjoys art or gardening.
A July birth flower birthday card: use a simple larkspur illustration on the front and explain why positivity, affection, or an open heart reminds you of the recipient.
A mom or grandma family theme: let larkspur represent a July child or grandchild in a family birth flower print. Add flowers representing the other family members for a more personal arrangement. For additional gift inspiration, explore our grandma necklaces.
A zodiac pairing: connect July's floral symbolism with Cancer for birthdays through July 22 or Leo gift inspiration from July 23 onward. A handwritten note can bring the two birthday traditions together.
A botanical drawing or embroidery: choose a larkspur stem in the recipient's favorite color or combine larkspur and water lily in one artwork. This can be especially meaningful when the design represents a family birthday.

Choosing a gift for your granddaughter? Our granddaughter gift guide includes birth flower necklaces for all 12 months.

Heart or bar: how to choose

Choose the heart necklace if you want the gift to feel affectionate, gentle, and sentimental. Its petite 16 x 14 mm pendant naturally complements larkspur's traditional associations with an open heart and warm affection. The rounded shape is particularly suited to a daughter, mom, partner, or grandmother.

Choose the vertical bar necklace if she prefers minimal jewelry, straight lines, and a streamlined everyday look. The 32 x 5 mm bar gives the larkspur design a taller, narrower presentation that echoes the flower's upright growth.

Both necklaces feature the same pre-designed larkspur artwork, 316L stainless steel, three finish options, and an 18-inch chain. Neither includes name or date personalization. The choice comes down to her preferred pendant shape and whether you want the gift to feel more romantic or understated.

Frequently asked questions

What is July's birth flower?

July's primary birth flower is larkspur, traditionally associated with positivity, affection, and an open heart. Its secondary birth flower is water lily, which is often associated with purity, tranquility, and renewal. Both flowers can inspire July birthday cards, bouquets, botanical illustrations, and tattoos.

Does July have two birth flowers?

Yes. July has two traditionally recognized birth flowers: larkspur as the primary flower and water lily as the secondary flower. They have very different shapes and growing environments, but both are used in birth month flower traditions. Either can represent a July birthday.

What does the July birth flower symbolize?

Larkspur traditionally symbolizes positivity, lightness, affection, and an open heart. Water lily is often connected with purity, peace, and renewal. These meanings come from floral symbolism and cultural traditions, so interpretations can vary. For a birthday gift, the meaning that feels personal to the recipient is often the most important.

What color is the July birth flower?

Larkspur commonly appears in blue, purple, pink, and white. Purple is often associated with affection, blue with dignity or calm, pink with changing feelings, and white with happiness or purity in traditional interpretations. Water lilies also bloom in several colors, including white, pink, and yellow.

Is larkspur the same as delphinium?

Larkspur and delphinium are closely related, and their common names sometimes overlap. They belong to the buttercup family and share distinctive spurred blossoms. In many horticultural contexts, annual larkspurs and perennial delphiniums are distinguished from one another. For a botanically accurate tattoo, use a reference showing the specific flower you want.

What is a good July birth flower tattoo?

A fine-line larkspur stem is a versatile July birth flower tattoo because it fits naturally along the forearm, ankle, or upper arm. You can add a name, birth date, or flowers representing other family members. A water lily is a good alternative for someone who prefers a rounded design with layered petals. Ask your tattoo artist to preserve enough detail for the flowers to remain recognizable.

What zodiac signs are in July?

July birthdays fall under Cancer until July 22 and Leo from July 23 onward. If you are unsure about someone's birthday sign, use our zodiac sign finder to check the sign for a specific date.

Explore every month

Every birth month has its own flowers, colors, and traditional meanings. To compare them throughout the year, read our birth flower necklace guide, use our birthday and zodiac finder, or see every month in our birth flowers by month chart. You can also explore neighboring months: June birth flower and August birth flower.

Birth flowers by month