The birth flower for August: the Poppy!

Every month we are asking if you know about your birth flower, and this month we're talking about the Poppy!

The idea that birth flowers, such as the poppy, have meanings was introduced in the early 18th century by members of the literary community. So each month was assigned a flower. And it was thought that the characteristics of those would be inherited by those born in that month.

The birth flower for August

The poppy. It's one of the most recognisable flowers. Seen mostly in the wild, the poppy dots the landscape with little flickers of red during the summer months. In fields, grass verges, and even alongside motorways! They are a resilient perennial wildflower.

Cultivated Poppies

It's very difficult to give a poppy in a bouquet as a cut flower. They inevitably wilt at the first sign of heat, and as a summer flower the are certainly best left in the ground.

But while it may be hard to display poppies inside, they thrive outdoors. And can be cultivated throughout almost any garden in the UK. Not to mention they are available in all sorts of colours. Like these purple beauties we are lucky enough to grow at the Bombus Oast House!

Cultural significance of the Poppy

The most notable symbolism of the poppy is not a cheerful one. Historically it has been associated with remembrance of those who have lost their lives at war, and is worn with pride every November 11th as part of our Remembrance Day commemorations and the Royal British Legion.

However, it is worth noting that the true symbolism of the poppy in this sense is that of peace, hope, and a positive future.

In Flanders Fields

When it comes to popular culture, the most famous work is that of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders Fields
    In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow
         Between the crosses, row on row,
       That mark our place; and in the sky
       The larks, still bravely singing, fly
    Scarce heard amid the guns below.
    We are the dead. Short days ago
    We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
       Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
                              In Flanders fields.
    Take up our quarrel with the foe:
    To you from failing hands we throw
       The torch; be yours to hold it high.
       If ye break faith with us who die
    We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
                                In Flanders fields.

What’s in a name?

Poppy is a girls name that is derived directly from the flower. It's name in Latin literally means 'red flower'!

Read more about the meaning and popularity of the name Poppy here:

Poppy - Meaning And Origin Of The Name Poppy | Poppy - Meaning And Origin Of The Name Poppy | BabyNames.co.uk

Other uses for the Poppy

Poppies are not just for looking at! They also have a whole host of other uses. Their seeds are popular in cuisines across the globe. At Bombus we particularly love them in a lemon and poppyseed cake.

Less wholesome however, is their use in the production of Opium! But you'd have to eat an awful lot of them to get anywhere near the effect of an opiate...we suggest sticking to the cake.