Delphinium
Origins
A member of the Ranunculaceae family, larkspurs are closely related to delphiniums and are easily confused with standard delphiniums because both are characterized by large, showy flowers densely packed on sturdy spikes. However, larkspurs’ more delicate, fern-like foliage sets them apart from their botanical relative.
Growing Delphinium
Delphinium plants can be either hardy or half hardy perennials.
Delphinium are very variable in height depending on the variety and can grow from anything from 15cm to over 2 metres in height.
They bloom with tall spires with flowers of blue, pink, purple, yellow or white.
The timing of flowering is variable between species of Delphinium, and can be anything from the end of spring to autumn.
When growing Delphinium outdoors from seed they should be sown either at the beginning of spring or the beginning of autumn; simply cover the seeds with topsoil. The spacing will depend upon the variety (small species about 40cm apart; large ones about 80cm apart). They can grow in either a sunny or lightly shaded area of the garden that has good drainage. The soil should be rich, deep and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.
Once growing Delphinium should be fed with fertilizer at the beginning of spring. Taller varieties of Delphinium should be staked. As soon as the first bloom is over the flowers should be cut off; this will result in further growth; once the new growth has reached about 20cm then the old growth should be pruned off. If you require more Delphinium plants then they can be propagated by division; this can be carried out in the spring.
Availability and Vase Life
Year round, with peak periods June through September.
7-10 days.
Care and Handling
Larkspurs dry well. Select stems for drying with fully open flower spikes.
Design Uses
Virsitile linear element for arranging.
Colors: Lavender, purple, pink, and white.
Larkspur can be found in striking shades of blue, lavender, pink and white. Stems can grow to nearly 5 feet tall, making them perfect as a filler flower or a tall backdrop for other flowers. All parts of the plant are poisonous,and should be kept away from small children and pets. In fact, when larkspurs were first cultivated at the time of the pharaohs, they were used as a remedy for ridding oneself of body vermin.
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