August Birth Flower: Gladiolus and Poppy
The August birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy — symbols of strength of character, moral integrity and imagination. Their meanings, colours and how to give them.
Everyone born in August has two birth flowers: the gladiolus and the poppy. Together they speak of strength of character, moral integrity and imagination — tall, bold flowers for the height of summer. Here is what each one means, the colours to choose, and how to give them.
Gladiolus — August's main birth flower
The gladiolus is the primary August birth flower: a tall, dramatic spire of open blooms whose name comes from the Latin for "sword." Fittingly, it symbolises strength of character, moral integrity, honour and remembrance — a flower for people of conviction. Gladioli come in a huge range of colours, from fiery reds and oranges to soft pinks, whites, yellows and purples, and their height makes them a commanding, statement birthday flower.
Poppy — August's secondary flower
The poppy is August's second birth flower, with its delicate, papery petals and bold colour. Its meaning varies with colour: red poppies mean remembrance and consolation, white poppies peace, and yellow poppies success and imagination. More broadly the poppy stands for imagination, restful sleep and quiet comfort. Its fragile beauty brings a soft, artistic counterpoint to the gladiolus's strength.
What August's birth flowers mean
August's pairing balances strength and imagination: the gladiolus's strength of character and integrity, the poppy's imagination and comfort. It is a combination of conviction and creativity — bold flowers for the brightest, fullest month of summer. For the wider tradition, see our language of flowers guide.
Gladiolus colours
The gladiolus comes in almost every colour, and each suits a slightly different message: red for love and strength, pink for affection and grace, white for purity and remembrance, yellow for cheerfulness, purple for dignity and charm. Because the spire is so tall and full, even a few stems in a well-chosen colour make a generous, impactful August bouquet.
How to give August birth flowers
For an August birthday, tall gladioli give instant height and drama, so build the arrangement around a few spires in the colour that fits your message, and let other bold summer blooms fill around them. The look should be generous and confident, matching the gladiolus's meaning of strength. A card noting that the gladiolus means strength of character makes it a thoughtful, personal gift.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birth flower for August?
August has two birth flowers: the gladiolus (the primary) and the poppy (the secondary). The gladiolus means strength of character and integrity; the poppy means imagination.
What does August's gladiolus symbolise?
Strength of character, moral integrity, honour and remembrance — reflecting its sword-like form and its Latin name, gladiolus, meaning "little sword."
What does the poppy mean?
Imagination, comfort and restful sleep. By colour, red poppies mean remembrance, white poppies peace, and yellow poppies success.
August birthdays, always in stock
Gladioli and the bold summer palette are highlights we select in the full colour range. At Vibra we source across Colombia and Ecuador, fresh and well-graded. See the complete birth flowers by month guide, or tell us what your birthday range needs and we will keep it stocked.
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