August Birth Flowers: Gladiolus and Poppy
Like birthstones, each month has its own designated flowers. The tradition of associating flowers with months dates back to ancient Rome, and, throughout history, flowers have been used to represent feelings and send messages.
If you were born in August, you have two birth flowers: the gladiolus and the poppy. So, what’s the significance of an August flower? What do these flowers symbolize?
This article will explore the unique characteristics, symbolism, history, and varieties of the August birth flower. Let’s dig in!
The gladiolus: August’s primary birth flower
August gets two birth flowers: the gladiolus and the poppy. Here, we’ll focus on the gladiolus, which is sometimes called a sword lily.
Gladiolus: A sword-shaped symbol
The gladiolus gets its name from the Latin word “gladius,” which means sword. The name is a nod to the shape of the flower, which grows tall and showy, and comes in a variety of colors.
Unlike many flowers, the gladiolus doesn’t bloom all at once. Instead, the blossoms open from the bottom of the stalk up.
What does a gladiolus symbolize?
The gladiolus has a number of symbolic meanings, including:
- Strength
- Moral integrity
- Infatuation
- Remembrance
- Victory
- Beauty
Because of its association with gladiators and swords, the gladiolus often stands for moral strength and resilience. It can also be used to express admiration and wish someone well.
Gladiolus in celebrations
Gladiolus flowers are associated with 40th wedding anniversaries. You might also see them used as decorations at film premieres and other celebratory events.
Exploring gladiolus varieties
There are approximately 300 species of gladiolus, and more than 10,000 cultivars have been developed from those original species. Some popular varieties include Jester, Black Beauty, Pastel Mix, and Parrot Mix.
Gladiolus come in many colors, and each color has its own meaning. Pink gladiolus may be given to a mother, for instance, while yellow gladiolus might be given to a friend.
Gladiolus: History and trivia
The gladiolus has been cultivated for centuries, dating back to ancient times. Many gladiolus flowers come from South Africa.
Here are a few interesting facts about gladiolus:
- They’re toxic to both cats and dogs.
- The water in the vase can get cloudy quickly, so it’s best to change it often.
The Poppy: August’s Secondary Birth Flower
While the gladiolus gets top billing, the poppy is also considered an August birth flower. This vibrant flower has a rich history and symbolism that spans cultures and centuries.
The Poppy’s Diverse Symbolism
The poppy is a flower of many meanings, representing everything from remembrance and peace to beauty and imagination. Depending on the culture, it can symbolize:
- Remembrance
- Sleep
- Peace
- Beauty
- Resilience
- Imagination
- Dreams
- Hope
- Happiness
- Non-romantic love
- Death
In the UK and Europe, the poppy is particularly associated with remembrance and strength, especially in connection with wartime sacrifice.
The Red Poppy and Remembrance
The red poppy carries a particularly deep meaning in places like the UK and parts of Europe, where it’s strongly tied to remembrance and strength in the aftermath of World War I. Every year, on Remembrance Day (November 11th), poppies are worn to honor those who have died in service to their country.
The Poem “In Flanders Fields”
The symbolism of the poppy in relation to World War I is perhaps best exemplified by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, which speaks of poppies growing amidst the graves of fallen soldiers.
Poppy Varieties and Characteristics
With over 70 different species, the poppy family is incredibly diverse. Some popular varieties include:
- California poppies
- Oriental poppies
- Opium poppies
- Himalayan poppies
Oriental poppies are particularly impressive, boasting blooms that can reach 9-10 inches in diameter.
Poppy History and Trivia
The poppy has a long and fascinating history, with some species, like the opium poppy, having been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. The flowers have also appeared in art, most notably in paintings by Vincent van Gogh.
And if you’re looking to add some color to your garden, poppies are relatively easy to grow in well-drained soil and sunny locations.
Other August blooms and their symbolism
August isn’t a one-flower show! Plenty of other beauties are showing off their colors this month. Here are a few:
Daisy-like Asters (Callistephus chinensis / Michaelmas Aster)
These daisy-like asters range in height from about 8 inches to 2 feet. Their petals almost look like they’ve been painted on with the finest brush. Asters symbolize love, wisdom, faith, and color.
To keep your asters happy, plant them in full sun in soil that drains well. Deadhead them regularly, and make sure they have good air circulation.
Dahlias
Dahlias are known for their wide range of colors and forms. They stand for dignity, elegance, and inner strength, which makes them perfect for a 10th wedding anniversary celebration!
For a visually appealing arrangement, pair dahlias with dusty miller or ranunculus.
Zinnias
Zinnias are brightly colored and easy to grow, making them a favorite for beginner gardeners. They symbolize friendship, affection, and remembrance.
Give zinnias full sun and well-draining soil. Remove spent blooms regularly, and water at the base of the plant.
Other August beauties
Look for these other blooms in August:
- Chrysanthemum: These beauties represent joy and longevity.
- Sedum: These late-summer bloomers attract butterflies and symbolize tranquility.
- Agastache: Also known as hummingbird mint, agastache attracts pollinators and symbolizes healing.
- Joe-Pye Weed: This tall, striking plant adds height to the garden and symbolizes gratitude.
August wedding flowers and gifting occasions
August is a popular month for weddings, and it’s also a month with several gift-giving holidays. With a little planning, you can celebrate with beautiful flowers.
Popular wedding flowers in August
These flowers are often seen in late-summer bouquets:
- Amaranthus. This flower symbolizes immortality and unfading love. You’ll often see it as a hanging display over the head table at a wedding.
- Echinacea. Echinacea (also known as coneflowers) symbolizes strength and healing. Its unique shape provides a welcome contrast in a bouquet, and it’s often used in centerpieces at rehearsal dinners.
- Garden roses. Roses symbolize love, beauty, and passion, making them a natural choice for a wedding. Garden roses are often used to transition a space from the wedding ceremony to the dinner. In fact, garden roses are probably the primary wedding flower in August.
Flower-gifting occasions in August
August has several holidays you might want to mark with flowers:
- National Sisters Day
- National Friendship Day
- Victory Day (Rhode Island)
- Statehood Day (Hawaii)
- Women’s Equality Day
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Day (Texas)
When you’re choosing flowers, be sure to personalize the bouquet based on the recipient’s preferences and the occasion you’re celebrating.
Putting It All Together
August boasts two beautiful birth flowers: the gladiolus and the poppy. Each carries its own special symbolism, adding layers of meaning to their beauty.
As you pick out flowers for gifts or to brighten your own home, remember the messages these flowers convey. Even the color of the flower can add to its significance, so choose carefully to send just the right message.
Whether you’re drawn to the gladiolus or the poppy, or another bloom entirely, flowers can add a personal touch and communicate sentiments that words sometimes can’t.