Flowers in July: Birth Flowers, Symbolism, and What's Blooming
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July has always been a month full of flowers with real history behind them. Some are tied to centuries-old traditions, others bloom like clockwork every summer and some have deep symbolic meaning that communicate complex feelings.
In this article, I’m giving you everything you need to know about July flowers. We’ll look at July’s birth flowers and the seasonal standouts that bloom right now. We’ll explore what they represent, and share a few surprising facts. Plus, walk through how to care for July flowers and style them into arrangements that look professional.
This guide comes straight from me, Amy Marella. I’ve been designing with flowers for over 25 years and own The Hidden Garden, a floral studio in Los Angeles known for catering televised events and A-lister parties.
Let’s dig in and get inspired.
Contents
- July’s Birth Flowers
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Flowers That Bloom During July And Their Symbolism
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July Wedding Flowers
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Popular Flower Gifting Occasions In July
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Summer Flower Arrangements From The Hidden Garden
July’s Birth Flowers
Every flower has a story. Birth flowers are tied to the month you’re born and each one carries a meaning that’s been passed down for generations. Think of them as the floral version of a birthstone or zodiac sign.
I’ve always believed they’re one of the most thoughtful ways to celebrate someone as they provide more symbolic meaning and thoughtfulness to the recipient. They show up in birthday bouquets and baby gifts and sometimes even weddings when someone wants to honor a loved one. Below are the birth flowers forever linked to the month of July.
Larkspur (Delphinium)
Larkspur is the traditional Western birth flower for July. That pairing didn’t come out of nowhere. It goes all the way back to Victorian flower language, when people developed the first known system of assigning specific meanings and feelings to specific plants. Larkspur was chosen for July because of its bold, upright nature and how it thrives in summer heat. It’s bright and open and full of life, which fits July-born people perfectly.
Visually, Larkspur is a tall flower with long stalks that can grow several feet high. You’ll find shades of blue and lavender and sometimes soft pink or white. It grows fast and blooms in mid to late summer. I love working with it because it brings height and movement to arrangements. It’s one of those flowers that dances above the rest by holding its head up high and proud. Larkspur is native to parts of Europe and the Mediterranean but it grows well in North American gardens too, especially where summers run dry and hot.
This flower symbolizes lightness, positivity, and an open heart. There’s a sweetness to that meaning that lines up with many people I know born in July. They’re warm and inviting. Gifting larkspur for a July birthday tells someone they bring joy. It’s a way of saying, “you brighten every room.”
Here’s a fun bit of trivia. Larkspur was used in ancient times as a charm to ward off scorpions. People believed placing it around stables and homes would keep bad energy away. That protective quality stuck through the centuries.
As for care, keep it in fresh, clean water and give it room to breathe. The stems are hollow and delicate so cut them under water to avoid air bubbles. Also, every part of this flower is toxic if ingested. So if you’ve got curious pets or little kids, keep larkspur out of reach. That’s my go-to advice whenever I send this one home with a client.
Water Lillies
Interestingly, July has two birth flowers associated with it. The water lily is known as the alternative birth flower for July. While larkspur tends to get most of the attention, water lilies hold a deeper, almost spiritual presence that speaks to a different kind of July soul. Especially in Eastern cultures where it’s revered just as strongly, if not more.
One of the most fascinating things about the water lily is how it opens with the morning sun and closes at night. It’s like it breathes with the day. Monet painted them endlessly for a reason. Ancient Egyptians even carved water lilies into tombs to represent eternal life.
For people born in July, water lilies communicate emotional intelligence and strength. Their petals are soft, layered, and come in pale pinks, whites, and soft purples. I love using them when I can get my hands on good ones.
It needs to be said that water lilies require a lot of maintenance, as they’re delicate and best suited to water gardens. If you’re working with cut blooms, keep them cool and only float them in shallow dishes. Never let pets near them; some varieties can be toxic to animals.
Flowers That Bloom During July And Their Symbolism
Delphinium
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Symbolic Meaning: Positivity, cheerfulness, encouragement
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Where It's Found: Temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia
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Defining Features: Tall flower spikes with densely packed blooms in blue, purple, pink, or white
Larkspur is a type of Delphinium because we’ve already chatted about this July flower at length above, we’ll keep this part brief.
Delphiniums bloom from late spring into early summer, and they don’t stick around for long. A few good weeks if the weather’s right. That short window is why I grab them when I can. Their name comes from the Greek word for dolphin because the bud looks like a little dolphin nose before it opens. It’s a simple shape but easy to spot once you know what you’re looking at.
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
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Symbolic Meaning: Motherhood, devotion, renewal
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Where It's Found: Gardens across North America, especially in USDA zones 3–9
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Defining Features: Trumpet-shaped flowers that last only one day but bloom in succession
Each bloom on a daylily lasts for just one day. That’s where it gets its name. But the plant doesn’t stop there. It keeps sending up new buds, one after the other, so you get a steady stream of flowers for weeks. That’s my favorite thing about them.
Because daylilies symbolize motherly love and devotion, they’re a thoughtful gift for someone who’s just started caregiving for an aging parent. That role can be difficult and lonely at times, and a gesture like this quietly acknowledges their effort without needing a long explanation.
Most varieties bloom in early to mid-summer. Some stretch into late July if the conditions are right. Each flower is gone by nightfall. If you're growing them, make sure they’re in full sun and well-drained soil. They’re lower maintenance than other July flowers. For cut arrangements, keep the water clean and remove old blooms daily to avoid any mess. That’s how I keep them looking fresh.
Sunflower
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Symbolic Meaning: Loyalty, admiration, positivity
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Where It's Found: Native to North America, now grown globally in fields, gardens, and floral farms
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Defining Features: Large golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark central disc, known for turning toward sunlight during growth stages
Sunflowers are phototropic when they’re young, which means they turn their faces toward the sun throughout the day. That trait fades as they mature, but it’s such a sweet detail. They literally follow the light.
They’ve been around for thousands of years, first cultivated by Native American tribes for food and medicine. Later, they caught the attention of European explorers who brought them back overseas. One of the most iconic moments tied to sunflowers was Vincent van Gogh’s series of paintings, which decades later continue to drive attendees to galleries across the globe.
When I’m styling with sunflowers, I like to pair them with eucalyptus or deep burgundy dahlias. They need a strong shape nearby to balance out their round, open faces. I keep the stems a little staggered, not too stiff, and always make sure the vase is sturdy enough. They’re heavier than they look.
Shasta Daisy
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Symbolic Meaning: Innocence, purity, loyal love
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Where It's Found: Widely grown across the US and Europe in sunny gardens
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Defining Features: White petals with yellow centers, long stems, and extended blooming period
The story behind Shasta daisies is fascinating. They came to life in the late 19th century when horticulturist Luther Burbank bred them by crossing several daisy types. He wanted a bright white bloom that could handle different climates and still look clean and classic. Gardeners and landscape designers picked it up almost immediately because it works in public spaces without demanding much maintenance. Win-win.
They’re perennials and bloom from early summer into early fall. With regular deadheading, they keep going for months. Once they’re established, they come back every year. That long-running display is why I plant them in venue gardens and mixed borders so often.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
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Symbolic Meaning: Healing, protection, vitality
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Where It's Found: Native to North America, commonly seen in wildflower gardens
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Defining Features: Frilly, tubular blooms in red, pink, or purple that attract pollinators
I once learned that bee balm leaves were used by Native Americans to brew herbal teas. That early link to healing made me appreciate it beyond its looks. Every time I see those vibrant petals I feel connected to a long tradition of natural remedies and care.
Needless to say, It symbolizes healing and protection so it makes a meaningful gift for someone recovering from illness or supporting a family member through treatment.
Bees butterflies and hummingbirds flock to it so if you care for pollinators it’s a smart pick. It offers both floral appeal and wildlife support.
When styling a July flower like bee balm, I like to pair it with soft white lisianthus or pale green hydrangea in a tall cylinder vase. Let the stems spread naturally and trim foliage below the water line. The contrast between its bold clusters and smoother blooms gives a professional balanced look.
Phlox
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Symbolic Meaning: Harmony, unity, sweet dreams
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Where It's Found: Common in US perennial borders and cottage gardens
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Defining Features: Clustered star-shaped flowers with a strong fragrance in pink, white, or purple
Phlox carried meaning in early American gardens during colonial times. Gardeners prized its clusters of small blooms for their resilience. Later, Harriet Beecher Stowe mentioned phlox in letters, praising its cheerful presence on her porch. That kind of humble charm tied the flower to stories of home and comfort in American history.
Because phlox symbolizes harmony and unity, I’d recommend it for family or friends moving into a new home. That gesture says you wish them warmth and ease in their new space.
To care for phlox in a vase trim stems under water and change it often to prevent bacteria growth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and cut back any blooms that droop to keep the arrangement looking fresh. Those steps will help them stay cheerful through the week.
Pollinators love phlox. Butterflies and hummingbirds are frequent visitors so it brings life and movement to a garden. Including it in outdoor pots or beds supports wildlife and adds soft, natural energy to the space.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
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Symbolic Meaning: Motivation, encouragement, resilience
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Where It's Found: Fields and gardens across the US and southern Canada
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Defining Features: Bright yellow petals with a dark central cone, daisy-like form
Black-eyed Susans bloom from mid-summer into early fall and they’re perennial in most climates. I like that dependable lifespan because it brings months of bright color. Once established they return year after year and don’t require much fuss.
They symbolize encouragement and resilience so they make a meaningful gift for someone starting a new chapter in life. Picture a friend launching their own business or opening a creative studio. A vase filled with these golden blooms tells them you believe in their vision and you’re cheering them on.
For styling I pair them with deep purple asters or another July flower blue salvia to highlight that bold dark center. I trim the stems at different lengths and use a weighted vase to keep them grounded. Let them lean naturally so the bouquet feels full without being crowded.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
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Symbolic Meaning: Strength, healing, endurance
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Where It's Found: Native to central and eastern North America
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Defining Features: Purple or pink petals with a raised orange center, known for its medicinal use
Coneflower (also known as Echinacea) has been used in herbal remedies for generations. Most people know echinacea as an immune booster in teas and tinctures. I’ve never used it that way myself, but I’ve heard from plenty of clients who swear by it.
One thing that’s always struck me about coneflowers is how they hold up in rough conditions. They’ve got this strong central cone that doesn’t wilt easily, even in heat or wind. That cone shape isn’t just for show either. It helps protect the seeds and attracts pollinators from a distance.
If you're growing this July flower, make sure they’re in full sun and plant them in soil that drains well. Once they’re established, they barely need attention. I water deeply once a week if it hasn’t rained and cut back the stems when they’re finished blooming to encourage new growth. For vase work, trim the stems at an angle and strip any leaves that would fall below the water line.
Their scent is light and earthy, almost grassy with a slightly sweet edge. It’s not strong, but it gives arrangements a clean garden-fresh feel.
Gladiolus
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Symbolic Meaning: Honor, strength of character, remembrance
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Where It's Found: Common in floral arrangements and garden beds in USDA zones 6–10
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Defining Features: Sword-shaped leaves and vertical stalks of ruffled blooms in many colors
Gladiolus is the August birth flower. It reminds me of people who’ve been through it and still walk into the room with their head high. They bloom mid to late summer. In warm zones they’ll return each year. In colder ones you’ll need to lift the bulbs and store them. Each stem blooms from the bottom up over about two weeks.
I use tall vases to keep their line clean. Pair with delphinium or snapdragons and leave space between stems so each bloom can open fully.
View this expert guide for more information on August flowers.
Coreopsis
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Symbolic Meaning: Joy, cheerfulness, friendship
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Where It's Found: Native to the Americas, thrives in full sun locations
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Defining Features: Bright yellow or golden flowers with daisy-like heads, drought-resistant
The name coreopsis comes from the Greek for “bug-like” because the seed pods resemble tiny tick heads. Not the prettiest mental image, but once you’ve seen it, you won’t forget it. That rough-around-the-edges origin makes me like it even more.
Once planted in full sun, coreopsis takes care of itself. It likes well-drained soil and doesn’t mind dry spells. I recommend deadheading if you want more blooms through the season. At the end of summer, you can cut it back to keep things tidy.
Bees and butterflies are regular visitors. It’s one of those July flowers that brings color and life to a garden without demanding constant attention.
Yarrow
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Symbolic Meaning: Courage, healing, everlasting love
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Where It's Found: Meadows and rocky soil areas across North America and Europe
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Defining Features: Flat-topped clusters of small blooms in yellow, white, or pink with fern-like foliage
Horticulturists have cultivated yarrow since ancient times, and it even shows up in records from Roman soldiers who used it to treat wounds on the battlefield. That mix of practicality and resilience gives it a real-life hero vibe, not just garden charm.
Native North Americans brewed it into teas for colds and used poultices on skin irritations. Its long history in herbal remedies comes from genuine relief, not marketing. It still feels rooted and honest to me.
Yarrow is a perennial that blooms from early summer well into early fall. It sends up clusters of flat flower heads that last for weeks when you deadhead old blooms. That long season makes it a reliable option for both gardens and vases.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
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Symbolic Meaning: Passion, endurance, creativity
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Where It's Found: Native to North and South America, popular in wildflower plantings
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Defining Features: Vibrant red, orange, and yellow blooms with fringed petals
I’ve always had a soft spot for blanket flower. Not because it’s flashy or rare, but because it just does its thing and keeps going, no matter the heat or dry spells. I used to tuck it into backyard party arrangements in the valley when I needed a July flower that could handle the sun without wilting by noon.
You’ll notice bees are obsessed with it. I’ve seen them hover over the petals like they’ve found gold. Same with butterflies. If you’re trying to bring life to your garden, this one’s a reliable bet.
One thing that always surprises people is how long it blooms. With a little trimming, it can keep going from June through October. That’s rare, and so worth the effort.
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
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Symbolic Meaning: Transformation, determination, protection
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Where It's Found: Prairies and open woods across eastern and southern US
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Defining Features: Bright orange flower clusters and a key host plant for monarch butterflies
Here’s a fun fact that never fails to surprise my clients: Butterfly Milkweed isn’t just pretty, it was one of the first plants used by early North American botanists to study how insects carried pollen from flower to flower. Feeling that link to early science always gives me a thrill.
Its story stretches back to early settlers who noticed monarch butterflies clustered on these bright orange blooms during their migrations. I’ve even seen them referenced in 19th‑century wildflower journals kept by explorers traversing the American Midwest.
This blooming July flower is a true reliable in my designs because it’s a perennial that blooms from late spring into early fall. That long stretch makes it a favorite when I need consistency and color for outdoor events. My styling tip is to pair it with soft blue salvias or creamy yarrow; the contrast helps the orange pop without overwhelming other blooms.
Hardy Hibiscus
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Symbolic Meaning: Delicate beauty, femininity, fleeting charm
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Where It's Found: Southeastern US and cultivated in warm regions
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Defining Features: Dinner-plate-sized blooms in red, pink, or white with contrasting centers
Hardy hibiscus petals are often used to make tea with a tart, cranberry-like flavor. Some people use it to ease digestion or help with sore throats, especially during warmer months when a lighter option feels better.
This flower played a small but striking role during World War II, showing up in Victory Gardens across the country. It brought color and beauty to homegrown plots at a time when practicality was everything. Eleanor Roosevelt noticed it during one of her garden visits, which says a lot considering how many varieties passed through those spaces.
To keep it happy, give it a sunny spot where it can soak up light for most of the day. It needs regular, deep watering especially in hot weather, but make sure the soil drains well so the roots don’t sit in water.
Russian Sage
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Symbolic Meaning: Wisdom, clarity, strength in uncertainty
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Where It's Found: Dry gardens and borders in North America and central Asia
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Defining Features: Silvery-gray stems with tiny lavender-blue flowers, aromatic foliage
There’s a surprising twist to Russian sage. It doesn’t come from Russia. The name came from early European botanists who thought its silvery foliage and upright shape resembled some Russian steppe plants, even though it’s native to parts of Central Asia and the Mediterranean.
It made its way into public and private gardens during the drought-conscious landscaping trends of the 1980s. This is a perennial that really delivers. It blooms from mid-summer into early fall, and the silvery stems stay upright even when other plants start to flop. You get months of soft lavender-blue color.
I like pairing this July flower with big-headed blooms like garden roses or dahlias. The contrast in shape and texture never feels busy. I always stagger the heights and let the sage spill slightly beyond the main cluster so the arrangement breathes and doesn’t feel packed in.
Salvia
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Symbolic Meaning: Healing, wisdom, spiritual protection
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Where It's Found: Widely grown in gardens worldwide; some species are native to the Americas
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Defining Features: Upright spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, or red
Salvia brings color into the garden for months on end. It’s usually a perennial in most climates, though some types act like annuals in colder zones.
Caring for salvia is simple in my book. Give it full sun and well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently so roots dig down and don’t stay waterlogged. After the first bloom, pinch off spent flower spikes to encourage fresh growth. I add a light mulch in hotter months to maintain moisture.
Bees and butterflies love it. I’ve watched entire ribbons of monarchs and honeybees buzz from spike to spike during summer events, which always makes me smile. Leaves and flowers in some salvia varieties are edible.
An interesting fact is that salvia is the largest genus in the mint family, with more than 900 species found around the world.
Turtlehead (Chelone)
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Symbolic Meaning: Determination, uniqueness, protection
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Where It's Found: Wetland areas and shaded gardens in eastern North America
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Defining Features: Pink or white hooded flowers resembling a turtle's head
Turtlehead got its name from the shape of its blooms, which really do look like little open-mouthed turtles. It’s been used in traditional medicine by Native American communities for generations, mainly for digestive support and skin issues. In the 1800s, it showed up in herbal manuals across early America. That kind of practical history always makes me pay closer attention.
I use it when I want structure without heaviness. The upright stems work well with softer textures like Japanese anemone or black-eyed Susans, another July flower on this list. I cut the stems clean and layer them off-center in arrangements so they don’t feel stiff. They bring height and rhythm, especially in garden-style designs.
It’s not one for the kitchen. I wouldn’t recommend using it in teas or cooking, even with the old herbal background.
Hosta
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Symbolic Meaning: Peace, serenity, stability
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Where It's Found: Shady garden beds across the US, Japan, and Korea
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Defining Features: Lush foliage in green, blue, or variegated tones with spiked summer flowers
Here’s something most people miss. Hostas are edible. In parts of Japan, young hosta shoots are cooked and served like asparagus. You’d never guess that from how often they’re used just for landscaping, but they’ve been part of seasonal dishes for years.
A hosta works well as a thank-you for someone who’s helped you behind the scenes. Maybe it’s the coworker who covered for you while you dealt with a family emergency or the neighbor who stepped in without being asked.
They started showing up in European gardens in the late 1700s after being brought over from Japan. By the 1800s they were popular in shaded courtyards where more delicate flowers couldn’t survive.
July Wedding Flowers
I always lean into July wedding flowers that can handle the heat while still feeling elegant and full. The most popular picks tend to be garden roses, peonies, and hydrangeas. Each one brings a different energy to the day, which I’ll discuss below.
Garden Roses
The Hidden Garden's Youthful Love
You’ll find garden roses showing up in so many July weddings because they’re a classic symbol of love. Pale pink varieties like “Keira” carry this soft romantic energy that people feel immediately. They represent gratitude and admiration, which makes them feel deeply personal, especially for a day that’s really about honoring your romantic union.
One of my favorite ways to use garden roses is by strategically placing them in spaces where guests linger, like welcome tables or cocktail areas, they create a mood without having to say a word. I’ve also built entire bar installations using them, mixing in soft vines so that blooms feel welcoming like they’re part of the venue staff.
Peonies
The Hidden Garden's Peony Pop
Brides tend to fall in love with blush peonies because they’re one of the most sought-after flowers you can get. They only bloom for a short time, and getting high-quality ones in peak condition takes planning and serious sourcing. That rarity gives them a certain prestige. They’ve become a bit of a status symbol in weddings, it’s about what they represent in terms of effort and intention.
One design moment where peonies shine is the cake table. I’ve used them clustered low around the base so it feels lush without blocking the cake itself. I also love working them into the bridal bouquet as the standout bloom. I keep the surrounding flowers tighter and cleaner so the peonies can do what they do best, which is draw the eye.
Hydrangeas
The Hidden Garden's Blue Serenity
I’ve always seen pale blue hydrangeas as a quiet favorite for July weddings. They represent understanding and unity, which makes them especially fitting for couples who’ve been through a lot together before getting to the altar. Visually, they fill space without feeling bulky, and that rounded shape works beautifully when you’re trying to soften sharper elements in a room. When you pick a pale blue tone, it reads calm and classic, but still gives the eye a break from whites and blush.
One place I love using hydrangeas is around the ceremony entrance. If your wedding is outdoors, lining the path with them in low, mounded groupings makes the space feel more defined without needing a full arch or structure. It helps create a sense of arrival, and sets a quieter, more grounded tone before guests take their seats.
Popular Flower Gifting Occasions In July
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Independence Day, 4th July: Hosts often receive flowers, wine, or small gifts at family gatherings, BBQs, or patriotic celebrations. View our 4th July flowers product range.
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Bastille Day, 14th July: Celebrated by French-American communities to mark the start of the French Revolution, sometimes with themed floral gifts.
- National Parents' Day, Fourth Sunday in July: A day to honor both parents, often with flowers or keepsakes for those who missed earlier gifting holidays.
- College Graduations: Some universities and programs hold ceremonies in July and flowers are a traditional gift for graduates. View our graduation flowers collection and read our guide on graduation bouquet ideas.
Summer Flower Arrangements From The Hidden Garden
July flowers bring out the best of summer. Our summer flowers collection is full of bold color and blooms that can handle the heat and still look fresh.
If you’re hosting friends or want to send something thoughtful, these arrangements make a real impression. I chose each flower for how it performs in warm weather and how it holds up once cut. Take a moment to browse. Whether you need a centerpiece or a simple way to brighten your space, this is the time to bring July flowers into your day.
