August’s birth flower is the bold gladiolus, with the vivid poppy as its secondary bloom. The gladiolus’s tall, sword-like spikes symbolize strength of character, integrity, and sincerity.
August’s birth flowers at a glance
- Primary flower: Gladiolus (Gladiolus)
- Secondary flower: Poppy
- Core meanings: strength of character, integrity, and remembrance
- Best for: birthday bouquets, meaningful tattoos, and seasonal gifts
The gladiolus: August’s primary birth flower
The gladiolus stands tall on dramatic flower spikes lined with blooms in nearly every color. It symbolizes strength of character, moral integrity, and sincerity, and a stem of gladioli is a classic way to express admiration and remembrance.
The name Gladiolus comes from the Latin gladius, meaning sword, a nod to the plant’s sword-shaped leaves — which is also why it is sometimes called the “sword lily.” In ancient Rome the flower was associated with gladiators, reinforcing its links to strength and honor.
What gladiolus colors mean
Color shapes the message as much as the flower itself:
- Red gladiolus — love and passion
- Pink gladiolus — compassion and motherly love
- Purple gladiolus — charm and grace
- White gladiolus — innocence and remembrance
- Yellow gladiolus — cheerfulness and joy
The poppy: August’s secondary birth flower
The poppy (Papaver) is famous for its papery, jewel-toned petals. Its meaning depends on color and culture: red poppies stand for remembrance, white for consolation, and the flower more broadly symbolizes imagination, restful sleep, and eternal life.
August birth flower tattoo ideas
The gladiolus’s tall spike makes for striking vertical tattoos, while poppies suit bold, colorful designs.
- A single gladiolus spike along the spine or forearm
- Fine-line gladiolus blooms in a meaningful color
- A red poppy for a remembrance-themed piece
- Gladiolus paired with the August birthstone (peridot) in green accents
- A family birth-flower bouquet featuring August’s gladiolus
Gift ideas for someone born in August
Gladioli make a dramatic, statement bouquet, and their message of strength makes them a meaningful August birthday gift.
- A tall, colorful bouquet of gladioli
- Gladiolus corms for a gardener to plant and enjoy each summer
- A red poppy arrangement for a meaningful, vivid display
- Peridot-and-floral jewelry tying in the August birthstone
- Botanical art featuring gladiolus or poppies
Caring for August’s flowers
Plant gladiolus corms in spring in full sun and well-drained soil, staking the tall spikes for support; plant in batches a couple of weeks apart for blooms all summer. Poppies prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are best sown directly where they are to flower, as they dislike being transplanted.
August birth flower FAQs
What is the birth flower for August?
August has two birth flowers: the gladiolus, its primary flower, and the poppy. The gladiolus symbolizes strength of character and integrity, while the poppy represents remembrance and imagination.
What does the August gladiolus symbolize?
The gladiolus symbolizes strength of character, moral integrity, sincerity, and remembrance. Its sword-shaped leaves give it strong associations with honor and resilience.
Why is the gladiolus called the sword lily?
Its name comes from the Latin gladius, meaning sword, because of its long, sword-shaped leaves — the same root that gives us the word gladiator.
What do poppy colors mean?
Red poppies symbolize remembrance, white poppies stand for consolation and peace, and the poppy in general represents imagination, restful sleep, and eternal life.
What do August birth flower tattoos mean?
An August birth flower tattoo features a gladiolus or poppy and represents strength, integrity, and remembrance, often chosen to mark an August birthday or honor a loved one.
Explore other months
See the full birth flowers by month guide, or visit July and September.