By Amanda Rose Newton
August is a month of vibrant energy, symbolized by its birth flowers, the Gladiolus and Poppy. These flowers have rich histories and meanings that have led to their association with this late summer month.
Let’s explore the significance of these blooms and suggest some Florida-friendly alternatives that will thrive in the Sunshine State.
Gladiolus: The Sword Lily
The Gladiolus, often referred to as the “sword lily,” gets its name from the Latin word “gladius,” meaning sword. This name perfectly captures the plant’s tall, spiky stems adorned with funnel-shaped flowers, reminiscent of a sword’s blade. The Gladiolus has long been associated with strength, moral integrity, and remembrance. It is believed that these attributes, along with its vibrant and dramatic appearance, led to its designation as the birth flower for August.
Historically, Gladiolus was cultivated in ancient Rome for medicinal purposes. Over time, its beauty in gardens overshadowed its medicinal uses, and it became a popular ornamental plant. In Victorian times, giving a Gladiolus meant you were “pierced with love,” making it a romantic gesture as well.
Florida-Friendly Alternative: Canna Lily (Canna spp.)
The Canna Lily is a fantastic Florida-friendly alternative to the Gladiolus.
While it shares the tall, bold structure of the Gladiolus, Canna Lilies are better suited to Florida’s hot and humid climate. They come in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink, providing the same striking visual appeal.
Care Tips for Canna Lilies:
- Sunlight: Plant Cannas in full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Cannas thrive in moist soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Soil: They prefer rich, well-drained soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types.
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering, and in late fall, you can cut the plant back to a few inches above the ground.
Poppy: The Symbol of Remembrance and Imagination
Poppies have a long history of symbolism, especially related to sleep, peace, and death due to their association with the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). The red Flanders poppy became a symbol of remembrance after World War I, largely due to the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, which reflects on the blood-red flowers growing on soldiers’ graves.
Poppies are also seen as symbols of imagination and eternal life, likely because of their vibrant colors and delicate petals that seem almost otherworldly. Their association with August could be linked to the time when these flowers are in full bloom in many parts of the world, symbolizing the peak of summer.
Florida-Friendly Alternative: Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia is a well known but not native Florida wildflower known for its bright and cheerful red, orange, and yellow blooms.
This hardy plant thrives in Florida’s heat and sandy soils, making it an excellent substitute for poppies. The Blanket Flower’s vibrant colors and daisy-like shape offer a similar visual appeal, making it a fitting alternative.
Care Tips for Gaillardia:
- Sunlight: Gaillardia thrives in full sun, which helps it produce the most abundant blooms.
- Watering: This plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
- Soil: It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate sandy and poor soils, typical of many Florida landscapes.
- Maintenance: Gaillardia is low-maintenance. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. It can self-seed, spreading its colorful presence throughout your garden.
Gaillardia is not only beautiful but also attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any Florida garden.
August’s birth flowers, Gladiolus and Poppy, are rich in history and symbolism, representing strength, remembrance, and imagination. For those in Florida looking to incorporate the spirit of these flowers into their gardens, the Canna Lily and Blanket Flower offer beautiful and resilient alternatives that thrive in the region’s unique climate. By following the care tips provided, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of these plants throughout the summer and beyond.
