Okay, let’s be honest—birth flower tattoos might just be the most underrated way to add a personal touch to your ink. And if you were born in July, guess what? You hit the jackpot.
Because your birth flower? It’s not one but two gorgeous options: the larkspur and the water lily. 🎉
These two stunners couldn’t be more different, and that’s actually what makes July birth flower tattoos so fun to explore.
Whether you’re into elegant florals or mystical pond vibes, there’s a tattoo design out there with your name on it—literally, if you want to add it in script 😉
Let’s walk through the styles, meanings, placements, and ideas to spark some inspiration (and maybe help you finally book that tattoo appointment you’ve been dodging).
What Are the July Birth Flowers?
Yep, July gets a two-for-one deal.
Larkspur: The Tall, Drama-Loving Show-Off
Larkspurs are tall, spiky flowers with tons of tiny blossoms. They’re all about volume and vibrance—basically the floral equivalent of that friend who enters a room and owns it in five seconds flat.
Water Lily: The Chill, Zen Queen
Meanwhile, the water lily is calm, peaceful, and a little mysterious. It floats on the surface of still ponds, looking beautiful while secretly rooted deep underwater. Honestly, goals.
Fun fact: Larkspurs symbolize positivity and open heartedness, while water lilies are tied to rebirth, peace, and purity. Total opposites? Maybe. But who says you can’t be both?
Why Get a July Birth Flower Tattoo?
You mean besides the fact that they’re beautiful and secretly meaningful?
Here’s why July birth flower tattoos are a great choice:
- They’re subtle yet personal. Unlike a zodiac sign (which screams “I read my horoscope religiously”), a birth flower adds meaning without shouting.
- They work in any style. Watercolor, linework, black and grey—these flowers adapt like champs.
- You can mix them with other elements. Names, dates, moons, insects… yep, they play well with others.
- They age well. Floral tattoos, especially ones done with care and finesse, hold up better than trendier designs (RIP tiny infinity signs from 2010).
Larkspur Tattoo Ideas: Big Energy Florals
If you love statement pieces or tall, vertical tattoos, the larkspur might just be your new bestie.
1. Botanical Sketch Style
Go for fine-line detailing and a minimalist stem, maybe with light shading. Think old-school nature illustration meets modern ink. It’s timeless, delicate, and classy AF.
2. Vertical Spine Design
Larkspurs naturally grow upwards, so they look amazing running down your spine. Add in a few leaves and boom—instant elegance.
3. Color-Packed Forearm Bloom
If you want something that pops, have your artist use bold purples, pinks, or blues to bring those petals to life. This works great on the forearm, calf, or thigh.
4. Larkspur and Name Banner
Want to honor a July baby in your life (or, you know, yourself)? Wrap a name or birth date around the stem using cursive script.
FYI: Larkspur is often mistaken for delphinium. They’re related, but larkspurs have a more delicate look—so if you want that soft, fluttery vibe, stick with larkspur.
Water Lily Tattoo Ideas: Peaceful with a Side of Magic
Water lilies bring the ethereal energy. You know, that whole floating-above-the-chaos aesthetic? Yeah, we’re here for it.
1. Floating Lily with Ripples
Place a single lily on top of soft ripple lines to mimic water movement. It gives the illusion of calm and serenity, which might be exactly the vibe you’re going for.
2. Water Lily and Moon Phases
Pair the lily with moon phases above or behind it for a tattoo that feels equal parts spiritual and witchy. Shoulder blades or sternum placements work wonders for this combo.
3. Neo-Traditional Water Lily
This is where things get bold—thick outlines, exaggerated color, and maybe even a koi fish or two thrown in. If you love a splash of drama, this style has you covered.
4. Water Lily Mandala Hybrid
Combine the symmetrical beauty of a mandala with a lily at the center, and you’ll end up with something deeply meditative. Trust me, people will ask you what it means (and you’ll love explaining it).
Best Tattoo Placements for July Birth Flowers
Let’s talk real estate—aka your body canvas.
For Larkspur Tattoos:
- Spine: Tall and graceful placement for long-stemmed flowers.
- Forearm: Great visibility, especially for vertical arrangements.
- Ribs: Pain level? High. Payoff? Gorgeous.
- Calf: Roomy and perfect for medium to large botanical designs.
For Water Lily Tattoos:
- Shoulder blade: Wide enough for floating water elements and ripple effects.
- Sternum or underboob: Soft petals meet soft curves—just saying.
- Upper arm or thigh: Perfect for larger, detailed pieces.
- Ankle: Small and cute if you want a minimalist lily.
Black & Grey or Full Color?
You know we had to go here. Let’s settle the classic tattoo debate:
Black & Grey Pros:
- Subtle and elegant.
- Ages better (especially on sun-exposed skin).
- Great for minimalist or sketch-style designs.
Color Pros:
- Pops beautifully—especially purples and pinks for larkspur, or pastels for lilies.
- Adds dimension and realism.
- Works great for watercolor or neo-traditional styles.
My take? I got my larkspur in black and grey and it still looks stunning after three years. But I’ve seen watercolor lilies that genuinely look like paintings. So it really comes down to your vibe.
Personalizing Your July Birth Flower Tattoo
Because generic tattoos are out, and personalized ink is forever.
Here are some ideas to make your birth flower tattoo yours:
- Add your birth date or Roman numerals in a small font next to the flower.
- Incorporate your zodiac sign (Leo or Cancer, depending on when in July you’re born).
- Combine both flowers—you can literally blend larkspur and water lily into one piece if you love both.
- Add a quote like “bloom with grace” or “rooted and rising.”
- Include a matching element like a butterfly, bee, or even a tiny dragonfly to tie it together.
Things to Consider Before Getting Inked
Just a quick PSA before you run off and schedule your tattoo session:
1. Research your artist.
Make sure they’ve got experience with floral designs. Not all linework is created equal.
2. Think long-term.
Delicate flowers look great now—but ask your artist how it’ll age. You might need touch-ups depending on style and placement.
3. Placement matters.
Will it stretch? Will it fade in the sun? Will your mom see it and gasp? These are the big questions. 😅
4. Prep your skin.
Drink water, moisturize in the days before, and avoid showing up sunburned. Your tattoo artist will thank you.
Final Thoughts: Is a July Birth Flower Tattoo Worth It?
Let me ask you this—do you want a tattoo that actually means something, looks stunning, and feels personal?
If your answer is “heck yes,” then a July birth flower tattoo is so your thing. Whether you go with the bold energy of larkspur or the tranquil charm of a water lily (or both!), you’ll have something that represents a piece of you in the most beautiful way possible.
And hey—when someone asks, “What does your tattoo mean?” you get to smile and say, “It’s my birth flower,” like the cool, sentimental plant-lover you are. 🌸
Now go find an artist you love and make some ink magic happen. You’ve got this. 💪✨