August birth flower: Gladiolus & Poppy

Do you know what the August birth flower is?

Just like birthstones, there are birth month flowers for every month of the year. Birth month flowers are usually in season during their specific month, so they should be easy to find in florists and mixed bouquets – making them perfect for a really thoughtful gift, or just a treat for yourself!

If your birthday is in August, or if you’d like to buy a personalised gift for a loved one with an August birthday, read on to find about more about the August birth flower and it’s symbolism.

August birth flower: Gladiolus

Big, showy and impossible to ignore, gladioli are by no means the backdrop in a vase or border. They provide height, structure and colour, and deliver real wow factor.

Gladiolus symbolises strength of character, integrity and remembrance; all very sobering for such a flamboyant flower. They also have a romantic meaning, linked to their sword shape; gladioli symbolise infatuation and a heart being pierced with love. All strong stuff!

August birth flower: Poppy

An iconic wildflower and also a favourite amongst gardeners due to the wide variety available and the fact that they happily self-seed, poppies are a wonderful addition to a Summer border or an informal posy.

We all think of poppies as symbolising remembrance of those lost in battle, but interestingly there are older meanings assigned to this flower which vary according to it’s colour. A red poppy used to signify pleasure, a white poppy consolation, and a yellow poppy wealth and success.

I don’t think you could pick two more contrasting styles than this month’s birth flowers; showy structure versus quiet informality. I love the bold statement that gladioli make in a vase, but for my garden it’s poppies every time. What do you think?

More birth month flowers

If you’d like to learn more about the origins of birth month flowers, this post covers the history of the concept. It also has links to the birth month flowers for every month of the year.