July heralds the middle of summer and with it come two gorgeous flowers that are unique not only in appearance but in growth as well. The Delphinium, otherwise known as the Larkspur, as well as the Water lily have both been granted the honor of representing July as its birth flower.
These two July birth flowers differ greatly in appearance. The water lily makes its home on the surface of water and has a large lily pad with a single flower in the center. These majestic plants are often referred to as “Queen of the Water” and the flowers almost look like a crown and is also called a Lotus flower. The delphinium, on the other hand, might look like a single flower but is made up of numerous tiny flowers shaped like a poker. Other names for the Delphinium / Larkspur include Knight’s Spur, Lark’s Heel or Lark’s Claw. Although the Delphinium and Larkspur look very similar, there are subtle differences between the two. You only have to look at the delicate flowers to see this. The Delphinium has trumpet-like flowers while the Larkspurs flower is more open without the trumpet-like tube of the Delphinium.
These two July birth flowers differ greatly in appearance. The water lily makes its home on the surface of water and has a large lily pad with a single flower in the center. These majestic plants are often referred to as “Queen of the Water” and the flowers almost look like a crown and is also called a Lotus flower. The delphinium, on the other hand, might look like a single flower but is made up of numerous tiny flowers shaped like a poker. Other names for the Delphinium / Larkspur include Knight’s Spur, Lark’s Heel or Lark’s Claw. Although the Delphinium and Larkspur look very similar, there are subtle differences between the two. You only have to look at the delicate flowers to see this. The Delphinium has trumpet-like flowers while the Larkspurs flower is more open without the trumpet-like tube of the Delphinium.
The Waterlily is the ‘Queen of Aquatics Plants’ and her reign as such stems from Victorian times, during a period when Queen Victoria herself was a just small princess. In 1837, a monstrous waterlily was plucked from the Amazon basin, buoyed across the ocean on one of Her Majesties ships, and anchored in a custom-built glass house at the Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth House. And so began the great quest to make ‘Big Lily’ or Victoria Amazonica, bloom, and bloom she did. First white, then light pink, darkening in 48 hours, changing sex in the middle of the night, attracting pollinators by her pineapple scent. This marvel captivated the British Iles and prompted the construction of her own palace. This flower truly needed a place of her own too, for there was nothing modest about ‘Big Lily’, whose 7-foot spread can still be admired taking over the pond at Waterlily House, Kew, in the United Kingdom, or if you won’t be visiting Europe anytime soon, alternatively online. Victoria Amazonica has been much photographed over the years, usually holding a small child at its center, easily, as if it were a floating bassinet.
Water lilies have been a symbol of fertility in many cultures since ancient times, nursing mothers were once given lily’s leaves to eat; the Mayan hieroglyphic of the first day lord, links soil and water symbolized by a water lily monster. While in ancient Egypt the water lily was regarded as a cosmic creator that cradled the sun, giving birth to a new day. Today the water lily is the national emblem of Bangladesh, representative of its many flowing rivers and has long been a symbol of life and love. Throughout Eastern culture the water lily has been a symbol used to convey emotions, ideas and experiences ranging from beauty to enlightenment. Not only a symbol of life and love but also as a symbol of unity. For Buddhists and Hindus, the water lily is an important religious symbol. When a water lily is used in a bridal bouquet it represents purity of heart.
The Larkspur, also known as "Elijah's Chariot," the flower of attachment, devotion and sincerity. Related to buttercups, these flowers are members of the Ranunculaceae family and make up the genus Consolida – which contains around 40 varieties that are native to mild climates. The Larkspur is known as a symbol of an open heart and devoted attachment. Since the shape of these flowers resembles parts of the Lark (bird), it is no wonder that these beautiful flowers also symbolize swiftness and lightness after the Lark in flight.
Many people confuse larkspur plants with delphinium plants. Although they look similar and are both members of the buttercup family, larkspur are annuals with more delicate flowers in shades of white, pink and lavender. Delphinium are perennials with more substantial flowers in shades of purple, blue, red, yellow and white.
A bit of a hypocrite, larkspur's mildly-poisonous flower is considered to be an antidote to poisonous stings and according to history it was originally used as a deterrent for scorpions. It is also used as an insecticide in many Countries since the late 1700s. The North American Plains are strewn with their blooms every spring through late summer. It is said that Larkspur first sprouted after the famous Battle of Troy. The warrior Ajax was supposed to receive slain Achilles' armor, but took his own life when the honor was passed to another warrior. On the spot where his blood pooled, it is told, there grew the first Larkspur. A bit morbid perhaps, but interesting none the less.
Larkspur were very popular gift flowers in Victorian times. In general, the flowers symbolize an open heart and can be associated with strong romantic feelings. Much like with roses, Larkspur colors each tell a different tale:
The Larkspur, also known as "Elijah's Chariot," the flower of attachment, devotion and sincerity. Related to buttercups, these flowers are members of the Ranunculaceae family and make up the genus Consolida – which contains around 40 varieties that are native to mild climates. The Larkspur is known as a symbol of an open heart and devoted attachment. Since the shape of these flowers resembles parts of the Lark (bird), it is no wonder that these beautiful flowers also symbolize swiftness and lightness after the Lark in flight.
Many people confuse larkspur plants with delphinium plants. Although they look similar and are both members of the buttercup family, larkspur are annuals with more delicate flowers in shades of white, pink and lavender. Delphinium are perennials with more substantial flowers in shades of purple, blue, red, yellow and white.
A bit of a hypocrite, larkspur's mildly-poisonous flower is considered to be an antidote to poisonous stings and according to history it was originally used as a deterrent for scorpions. It is also used as an insecticide in many Countries since the late 1700s. The North American Plains are strewn with their blooms every spring through late summer. It is said that Larkspur first sprouted after the famous Battle of Troy. The warrior Ajax was supposed to receive slain Achilles' armor, but took his own life when the honor was passed to another warrior. On the spot where his blood pooled, it is told, there grew the first Larkspur. A bit morbid perhaps, but interesting none the less.
Larkspur were very popular gift flowers in Victorian times. In general, the flowers symbolize an open heart and can be associated with strong romantic feelings. Much like with roses, Larkspur colors each tell a different tale:
- Pink larkspur flowers represent fickleness.
- White blossoms signify a happy-go-lucky nature.
- Purple represent first love and a sweet disposition.
The Larkspur is a beautiful addition to almost any floral arrangements. In fact, it is one of the most sought-after plants for dried flower arrangements. Its petals can be white or pastel pink to purple and grow in loose groups above feathery leaves. Their height varies, dependent upon their variety, from two to seven feet tall. Larkspurs are easy to grow in our area as long as you give them full sun and decently well-drained soil. Sprinkle them around perennials that go dormant in winter for a bit of color and food for hungry bees until warm weather bloomers return. Larkspur spikes up the cool weather garden with feathery leaves and layers of marble-sized flowers that attract loads of bees! And, supposedly they are deer resistant. But fair warning – I have seen hungry deer devour Larkspur overnight. But then, just what won’t a hungry deer eat?
In my central Texas, and other warm winter climates, sow seeds in fall or pick up nursery transplants in the spring. Be sure to water seedlings, as you should any wildflowers, if finicky Mother Nature chooses not to rain on your garden. Once established though, do not over water.
In my central Texas, and other warm winter climates, sow seeds in fall or pick up nursery transplants in the spring. Be sure to water seedlings, as you should any wildflowers, if finicky Mother Nature chooses not to rain on your garden. Once established though, do not over water.
July is an awesome month, full of picnics and fireworks but don’t let all the Fourth of July fun stop you from appreciating what great flowers we have in our area. A single water lily flower not only changes color from white to deep pink but is the only flower that bears fruit while it is in full bloom. Native Americans used the Larkspur / Delphinium to make blue dye while some Europeans ground the flowers for making ink. Both these flowers are special in their own right, making July the most special month of all. Oh, by the way, my birthday was on the 10th of July, so my opinion might be a bit skewed!
Happy Gardening!!
Happy Gardening!!
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