July Gift Flowers

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Light pink surprise lilies have the texture of water lilies and make great gift flowers. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

July Gift Flowers

Larkspur and water lilies are the traditional July gift flowers.

While pink larkspurs can symbolize a fickle love, purple ones mean first love, and white indicates a happy spirit.

Waterlilies, which stand for a pure and open heart, or majesty, also represent this month.

Neither are easy to find where I live in July so I would be tempted to substitute something in the same color family such as surprise lilies. These North American cousins to tropical Amaryllis make lovely bouquets with a delightful scent.

Charlotte

July Gift Flower: Larkspur

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One larkspur plant in bloom at the front of my garden, Bluebird Gardens.

One larkspur plant in bloom at the front of my garden, Bluebird Gardens.

July Gift Flower: Larkspur

Larkspur is the wilder version of the domesticated delphinium. Native to the North Temperature Zone, Larkspur is a genus of ranunculaceous delphinium plants and int he "Language of Flowers," symbolizes feelings of an open heart and passionate attachment.

There are secret meanings to three larkspur colors: pink stands for lightness and fickleness; purple represents haughtiness and pride, and white stands for joyfulness. Victorians would make bouquets with flower choices to send secret messages.

The spur of the flower, which is reminiscent of parts of a lark, created this flower’s name.

In Missouri, there are several native larkspur varieties including dwarf larkspur and Carolina larkspur. All varieties are favorite nectar and pollen sources for garden friends bumblebees and honeybees.

Wish I could take claim for planting this one in my garden. I think birds brought in the seeds and they found a good spot to sprout. That's fine, all larkspur is most welcome!

Charlotte