August is bursting with sunshine, bright colors and plenty of reasons to celebrate! It’s only fitting that the month’s birth flowers—the gladiolus and poppy—are just as full of personality. Together, these beautiful blooms represent strength, integrity, remembrance and resilience.
Gladiolus: Strong, Striking and Full of Meaning
It’s easy to see why glads stand out in a bouquet. With tall stems lined with colorful blooms, they add height, movement and a little extra drama to an arrangement. We love using them to create designs that feel bright, cheerful and full of life!
The full name gladiolus comes from the Latin word gladius, meaning “sword,” and refers to the flower’s long, pointed leaves. This is also how glads earned the nickname “sword lily.” Their strong, upright appearance has made them a symbol of strength, victory and moral integrity—the perfect flower for someone who leads with courage and stays true to themselves.
Glads also have a romantic side! During the Victorian era, giving someone gladiolus meant the recipient had “pierced the giver’s heart with love.” Today, they can still represent admiration, affection and infatuation.
What Do Glad Colors Mean?
Glads come in a wonderful variety of colors, and each one can add its own special message:
- Red represents love and passion.
- Yellow symbolizes happiness, friendship and encouragement.
- Pink expresses compassion, tenderness and a mother’s love.
- White represents purity, innocence and sincerity.
- Purple symbolizes grace, beauty and admiration.
Whether you select a color for its symbolism or simply because it makes you smile, glads are a lovely way to send a meaningful message.
Poppies: Remembrance, Imagination and Resilience
Poppies may look delicate, but they carry plenty of powerful meaning. They are best known as symbols of remembrance, especially when honoring those who have passed away or those who lost their lives during times of war.
Poppies are also connected to sleep, dreams and imagination. In ancient stories and mythology, they were associated with rest and peace, giving these colorful flowers a lovely connection to creativity and the dream world.
Because poppies can grow in disturbed soil and challenging conditions, they have also become symbols of resilience. They’re a beautiful reminder that even after difficult seasons, something lovely can still grow.
Three Fun Facts About August’s Birth Flowers
- Glads belong to the iris family, despite their “sword lily” nickname.
- Glad blooms generally open from the bottom of the stem upward, allowing their colorful display to unfold over time.
- Gladiolus was the winning word at the very first National Spelling Bee in the United States in 1925!
Celebrate an August Birthday with Glads
With their beautiful colors, tall stems and cheerful personality, glads make a wonderful addition to an August birthday arrangement. Their message of strength and admiration also makes them a meaningful choice for celebrating someone special.
Visit our website to order a Designer’s Choice bouquet and let us know you’d like glads included. When they’re available, our talented designers can incorporate them into a one-of-a-kind arrangement filled with fresh seasonal flowers and designed especially for your recipient.
