August Birthstone and Flower: Peridot, Gladiolus & Poppy

August has one birthstone — peridot — and two birth flowers: the gladiolus and the poppy. Together they make August one of the most meaningful months for a personalised gift, pairing a vivid green gem with flowers that symbolise strength, remembrance and imagination. Here's what each one means and how to bring them together.

August's birthstone: peridot

Peridot is August's birthstone — a bright lime-to-olive green gem, the gem-quality form of the mineral olivine. Its colour comes from iron within the stone itself, so the green is consistent and vivid. Traditionally it has been linked to warmth, renewal and good cheer. For the full story, see our peridot stone guide and peridot meaning article. At Irosk, every peridot is set in 925 sterling silver.

August's birth flowers

Gladiolus — the primary August flower

The gladiolus is the main birth flower for August. Its name comes from the Latin gladius, meaning "sword", after its tall, blade-like stems — and it has long been associated with strength of character, integrity and sincerity. Its dramatic spikes of colour make it a fitting match for peridot's bold green.

Poppy — the secondary August flower

The poppy is August's second birth flower. Depending on its colour it carries different traditional meanings: red poppies are linked to remembrance, while other shades are associated with imagination, restful sleep and consolation. Together with the gladiolus, the poppy gives August a rich floral symbolism.

Peridot, gladiolus and poppy: shared meaning

August's symbols share themes of strength, renewal and heartfelt sentiment. Peridot's traditional links to warmth and good cheer sit naturally alongside the gladiolus's symbolism of integrity and the poppy's themes of remembrance and imagination — making August gifts feel especially personal. These meanings come from folklore and tradition rather than any claim about the stone or flowers themselves.

Gift ideas that bring August together

Pairing the birthstone with the birth flowers makes a thoughtful August birthday gift:

• A peridot pendant necklace presented with a stem of gladiolus.
• Peridot stud earrings with a small bunch of poppies or a flower card.
• A statement peridot ring to mark a milestone August birthday.

Browse the full peridot jewellery collection, or see more ideas in our peridot gift guide for August birthdays.

Frequently asked questions

What is the August birthstone and flower?

August's birthstone is peridot, a vivid green gem. Its birth flowers are the gladiolus (primary) and the poppy (secondary).

What does the gladiolus symbolise?

The gladiolus is traditionally associated with strength of character, integrity and sincerity — its name comes from the Latin for "sword", after its tall, blade-like stems.

What does the August poppy symbolise?

Poppies carry different traditional meanings by colour: red poppies are linked to remembrance, while other shades are associated with imagination and restful sleep.

What colour is the August birthstone?

Peridot is green, ranging from light lime to deeper olive. The colour comes from iron within the stone, so it does not fade.

About Irosk Australia

Irosk is an Australian jewellery brand specialising in handcrafted 925 sterling silver birthstone and gemstone jewellery. Founded by Ish and Lovneet in 2021 and based in Brisbane, Irosk creates timeless, meaningful pieces designed for gifting and everyday wear — each one crafted with care and accurately described so you always know exactly what you're getting. Your stone. Your story.