August Birth Flower: What Qualities do Gladiolus and Poppy Symbolize?

Updated onMay 09, 2025

Isn’t it interesting how flowers can represent certain qualities associated with each month and the people born during that time? 

Now, if you adore someone born in August, you can make their day extra special by gifting them these elegant and charming flowers — Gladiolus and Poppy. Just like other blooms, the August birth flower embodies strength, remembrance, and beauty. 

Both of these genera can be an excellent gift option, or you can simply add them to your balcony garden space to elevate its visual appeal. Having said that, jump into this elaborate write-up to explore everything about these August flowers, from their care guide and taxonomy to the rich history they carry.

Explore Everything About Birth Flowers and Their Significance

Did you know that each month has special flowers representing the essence of individuals born during that time? According to many ancient tales, each month has one primary and one secondary birth flower, and these blossoms were mainly used in various rituals or in celebrating special events like anniversaries and birthdays. 

Just like other varieties, Gladiolus and Poppy have been associated with August, and they personify certain qualities. The August birth flower Gladiolus, adds a nice pop of color in any garden space, and the widely appreciated Poppies are truly a sight to behold.

Apart from being visually appealing, the August birth flower holds historical significance and gives a personal touch during special occasions. These genera are not only associated with the qualities they showcase, but are also linked based on blooming patterns. 

In the following section, let us explore more about the August flower.  

A Brief Synopsis of the August Birth Flowers — Gladiolus and Poppy

The tradition of assigning two birth flowers to each month provides us with a gift choice and accommodates all the attributes a person may possess. Both Gladiolus and Poppy are the epitome of strength, imagination, and beauty. 

Popularly known as “Sword Lilly”, there are more than 300 species of Gladiolus, and they each carry a rich history. Dating back to ancient Rome, this genus symbolizes strength, victory, and honor.

Poppy, on the other hand, holds various meanings across multiple cultures. Having numerous cultivars, it is one of the most popular red flowers, which also contains some medicinal properties. 

Moving ahead, if you are planning to add any of these exquisite August birth flowers to your garden, or simply want to gift someone born in August, it is ideal to know about them in detail. 

Gladiolus: Symbolizing Strength and Honor

Gladiolus Image

Also known as Sword Lilies, Gladiolus are famous for their vibrant hues, sword-like leaves, long-lasting, and trumpet-shaped blooms. Native to Africa and the Mediterranean region, a large variety of species is found in South Africa. 

This August birthday flower is named after a Latin word, “gladius”, which typically means sword. It is believed that Roman gladiators during the mid-18th century used to wear these blossoms around their necks after winning wars or challenging games, representing victory and power.  

One can find this genus in many colors, from soft pastels to bold tones, and each has its deep meaning. Additionally, if you are looking to add this beauty to your alluring plant collection, we have curated a complete care guide for your ease.

Optimal Growing Conditions Required for August Birthflower — Gladiolus

Gladiolus are mostly popular among garden enthusiasts, as they tend to create eye-pleasing contrast when planted alongside existing ground-covering flowers. One interesting fact about flower bulb planting is that you can expect waves of color from early spring to late summer.

Hardiness Zone8-11 USDA
Sunlight ExposureRequires a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sunlight.
Water NeedsNeeds regular watering, especially during the growing stages. 
Soil TypeThrives in a variety of soil, grows best in sandy, permeable soil. 
Bloom SeasonMid-summer to early fall
Mature Height2–6 ft tall (depends on the variety)
FertilizerSlow-release, phosphorus-rich fertilizer works wonders. 

Similar to the July birth flower, with proper care, this August month flower also flourishes beautifully, making people stop and stare.

Taxonomic Overview of Gladiolus

Now, if you are a plant lover or a botanist, you might be curious to know the plant family this impressive blossom belongs to. Don’t worry, we have got you covered! Scroll further to explore the scientific classification of Gladiolus.

Taxonomic Overview of Birth Flower for August
KingdomPlantae
CladeTracheophytes
CladeAngiosperms
CladeMonocots
OrderAsparagales
FamilyIridaceae (Iris family)
GenusGladiolus
Botanical NameGladiolus spp.

As has been stated earlier, each Gladiolus variety has its own deep meaning. Some cultivars stand for success, victory, strength, and integrity, while others represent imagination, love, infatuation, elegance, and charm. 

Poppy: Symbolizing Peace and Resilience

Poppy Image

This secondary flower for August, the Poppy, is globally applauded for its culinary and medicinal properties. Found in stunning colors like red, pink, orange, and white, the standout feature of this August birth flower is the papery-like petals they have. 

Embodying remembrance, sleep, death, and resurrection, Poppies are native to Eurasia, Africa, and North America. 

Mostly cultivated for its beauty, many Greek mythologies mentioned Poppy as the goddess of agriculture, and the crape petals were used in various religious rituals. Many species of the August Birth Flower produce edible seeds. 

If you wish to add a decorative flair to your garden, Poppy can be an excellent choice, but before you make a planting decision, it is essential to understand its ideal growing conditions. 

Ultimate Care Guide for Poppy

This particular flower of August has been mentioned in many American poems, metaphorically resembling the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Given below are the necessary growing conditions that Poppy requires to flourish.

Hardiness Zone2-10 USDA
Sunlight ExposureGrows best in bright sunlight. 
Water NeedsDepends entirely on the species and the climate zones they are grown in. Avoid waterlogging. 
Soil TypeThrives in a variety of soil, but grows best in clayey, sandy, and permeable soil. 
Bloom SeasonSpring to Summer
Mature Height3-9 ft tall
FertilizerNPK in the ratio 10-20-20

The ability of Poppy to bloom even in harsh conditions resonates with inspiration, hope, and rebirth. 

Taxonomic Overview of Flower for August Birthday

Renowned for its strikingly colorful blossoms, the Poppy belongs to the Papaver genus. Given below is a detailed scientific classification of this impressive species. 

Taxonomic Overview of Birth Flower for August
KingdomPlantae
CladeTracheophytes
CladeAngiosperms
CladeEudicots
OrderRanunculales
FamilyPapaveraceae (Poppy family)
GenusPapaver
Botanical NamePapaver rhoeas

Although these beauties will not last long as indoor plants, if you wish to add them to your front lawn, with proper care, they can grow into stunning ornamental flowers that may add an aesthetic touch to your garden.

What do Gladiolus and Poppy Reveal About August Born?

As has been stated earlier, individuals born in August are associated with two birth flowers: Gladiolus and Poppy. Both genus has distinctive characteristics, cultural significance, and represent unique attributes.

Red Gladiolus stands for people having strict values and a belief system. It symbolizes integrity and says that August-born usually hold a strong presence.

Poppy, on the other hand, is associated with softness, gentle love, imagination, and innocence. Individuals finding a connection to this genus are usually creative, imaginative, dreamy, and hold a captivating presence. 

Summary

To sum up, we can say that Gladiolus and Poppy not only offer smart ways to elevate your home decor but also speak a lot about people born in August. Both the blossoms belong to different plant families and indicate a completely different set of emotions. 

If you are planning to give a bouquet to someone you adore, or if you are an August-born and wish to add a personal touch to your mini garden, these August Birth Flowers might just be an excellent choice!

Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two birth month flowers?

Every month has primary and secondary birth flowers, symbolizing unique qualities that the individual may possess.

What is a Leo’s birth flower?

The birth flower for the Leo horoscope is the Sunflower. 

What does the August birth flower tattoo mean?

An August birth flower tattoo represents the birth month flowers, which are Gladiolus and Poppy.