Delphinium: A Jewel Of The Summer Garden
Hello Weekly Whorlers! Get ready to discover the captivating allure of Delphinium. Often called Larkspur (especially the annual varieties), Delphinium are a beloved classic in cottage gardens due to their stunning color palette, impressive height and elegant flower spikes. These beauties transcend their toxic nature to attract humans and pollinators to your garden, and have even been given the title of July's Birth Flower!
How We Got Here: The History Of Delphinium
The name "Delphinium" itself comes from the Greek word delphis meaning dolphin. Ancient Greeks thought the buds of the flower resembled the shape of a dolphin's snout. The flowers were even believed to have sprung from the blood of Ajax the Great.
In Tudor England, some species started to commonly be referred to as Larkspur because the nectary (part of the flower containing the nectar) was shaped like a lark's claw or heel.
Historically, Delphinium were used in traditional medicine for various ailments like scorpion stings, internal parasites, and insomnia. However, it was discovered later on that the plant had toxic alkaloids that could lead to shortened breath and lowered blood pressure, leading to their abandonment in modern medicine.
Ancient Egyptians decorated their mummies with Delphinium, and Europeans and Native Americans used their vibrant hues to make dyes and inks.
Tips For The Garden, Pairings For Your Designs:
In the garden, Delphinium love full sun, and want at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They like rich well drained soil. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overhead watering, as this can promote fungal disease. Due to their height, Delphiniums benefit from staking early in the season to help support their heavy flower spikes from toppling in the wind. Deadhead promptly to encourage another flush of blooms later in the season.
Delphinium are great as drifts for a dramatic effect, or as vertical accents among other perennials like roses, lilies and coneflowers. They offer a great contrast to mounded or spreading plants.
In your floral designs they help provide beautiful height to any arrangement, and their spike help draw the eye upwards. They can offer a beautiful color impact by bringing in that vibrant and sought-after blue hue. The delicate and sometimes ruffled petals of Delphinium can offer a great textural contrast to some of the larger more rounded blooms. They symbolize cheerfulness, goodwill, protection and an open heart and can help portray a meaningful arrangement.
Did You Know?
Delphinium are July's Birth Flower and are often associated with people who are open to new experiences and strive for higher achievements.
They are part of the toxic family of Ranunculaceae, or buttercups, and all parts of the plant are toxic.
Delphinium are bee magnets with bumblebees being quite resistant to its toxins.
There are over 300 varieties of Delphinium
Some Delphinium varieties can grow to over 8 Feet High!
We hope you enjoyed diving in with us this week with these gorgeous little dolphins. If you see them in the garden, in the wilderness or in a design; enjoy their unique beauty, but please don't eat!