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Saturday, 5 July 2025

July Birth Flowers - Larkspur a symbol of positivity and dedication

If you are a July baby your birth flowers are the water lily and the larkspur. One emerges from deep beneath the water’s surface; the other grows as a single tall stalk from the ground. Both provide a pop of colour during the early to midsummer months!


Larkspurs are a symbol of positivity and dedication. They make a great addition to any garden, given their height and beautiful purple-blue blooms, but beware: these plants are poisonous! While it is beautiful and a welcome addition to any garden, the larkspur is highly poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.

The water lily represents purity and innocence while boosting aquatic ecosystems and serving as an inspiration for one of the world’s great painters.

Larkspur Meanings and Symbolism

The larkspur has long symbolized positivity, loving bonds, dedication, and sincerity. It can also be used to describe lightheartedness and youth.

Each larkspur color holds a different meaning. Blue, which is hard to find in the world of flowers, means dignity and grace; pink symbolizes fickleness; white represents happiness and joy; and purple is a sign of first love.

Larkspur in History

  • According to Greek mythology, the larkspur grew from the blood of Ajax during the Battle of Troy. Upset that he did not receive the armor of the fallen warrior Achilles, Ajax threw himself on his sword, causing his blood to spill onto the ground and the flowers to bloom.
  • Other theories surrounding its initial appearance involve a slayed dragon and the mixture of its blue blood and venom, as well as crumbs from the blue sky falling to the ground.
  • In England, people once sprinkled larkspur in baths for protection against ghosts and magic.
  • In Transylvania, if larkspur was planted near stables, it was believed to keep witches away.
  • In ancient Greece, larkspurs were used to treat open wounds.
  • The Victorian era led to the belief that the larkspur could ward off evil.
  • Once it was naturalized in the U.S., Native Americans used the blooms to make dyes and repel insects.
  • The Larkspur is one of the few flowers mentioned in George Washington’s letters.

I hope you enjoyed this post. One about the month of July other birth flower water lily will follow shortly.


You may now like to read this post 'Some Foods In Season During July' which also has some recipe suggestions - see here

All the best Jan

30 comments:

Mari said...

It's such a pretty, cottage garden type flower. I didn't know it was poisonous though!

Bijoux said...

That is a flower I’ve heard of, but I don’t think it’s common where I live. Happy July!

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

I love the color of the Larkspur and enjoyed all the information.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

How interesting. I had no idea about several of these facts.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Hi Jan, I am so glad you and some of my other fellow bloggers know the name of flowers and plants, because I am bad at that. I am much better with animals! :) Lovely photo and great information here! You always provide such helpful information, I really appreciate all you share here. Thank you so much, and I hope you have a wonder filled weekend!

Tom said...

...larkspur is a lovely flower.

The Happy Whisk said...

Ohhhh, these are soooooo pretty!

Granny Marigold said...

My Mom had success growing Larkspur and I thought they were so lovely. Unfortunately they don't seem to grow for me :(
Have a lovely weekend.

Debbie said...

i enjoy all the facts and fun you share monthly. gorgeous larkspur and the color is fabulous. enjoy the rest of the holiday.

Katerinas Blog said...

Yes, according to Greek mythology, this is how dolphins were born.
There are many murals of them in the Minoan Palaces in Crete!!

Giorgio said...

Great post about Larkspur flower. Interesting information!

jabblog said...

It is such a pretty flower and a gorgeous deep colour.

roentare said...

Truly fascinating how the larkspur weaves together myth, symbolism, and history

Donna said...

What a pretty flower! The dark purple is SO nice!
hugs
Donna

Margaret D said...

It's a really lovely flower, Jan.

chica said...

Linda essa flor e desconhecia tudo sobre ela.Gostei! beijos, chica

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Son bellas las flores. Lástima que a mí no mi no he nacido en tiempo de verano.
Que tengas un descansado fin de semana.

My name is Erika. said...

Larkspur has such an interesting history. Happy weekend Jan.

R's Rue said...

How beautiful.

Jules said...

Both flowers are beautiful. And I've been keeping a check on my own beetroot. I think it will be ready to harvest very soon. Xx

eileeninmd said...

What a pretty flower! The fresh fruit and veggies that are ready now are a treat.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Lisabella Russo said...

What a lovely flower, thanks for the information on it.

The Furry Gnome said...

Beautiful blue colour, but I don't think I've ever seen it growing over here. (And I'm not a July baby)

Lowcarb team member said...

GOOGLE TRANSLATE

chica
Linda essa flor e desconhecia tudo sobre ela.Gostei! beijos, chica

This flower is beautiful and I didn't know anything about it. I liked it! Kisses, chica

VENTANA DE FOTO
Son bellas las flores. Lástima que a mí no mi no he nacido en tiempo de verano.
Que tengas un descansado fin de semana.

The flowers are beautiful. It's a shame I wasn't born in the summer.
Have a restful weekend.

Christine said...

Pretty flower

Ananka said...

It's lovely and good to see the bee enjoying it. Tasty food too :-D

HappyK said...

Pretty flowers and interesting facts.

Conniecrafter said...

I haven't seen the Larkspur around here but we do have water lilies blooming like crazy right now. I didn't know it was poisonous, good to know if I do see them.

Back2OurSmallCorner said...

I don't grow these flowers in my garden at the moment but I may give them a try next year. The history and folklore around them was interesting to read. Thank you, Jan

Teresa said...

Una flor preciosa para el mes de julio. Besos.