Delphinium
Common name: Larkspur
Family of plants: Ranunculaceae
Native to: Eurasia
Light requirements: full or partial sun
Skill level: Beginner
Cut Flower: YES
Dried Flower: NO
Fragrant: NO
HARDINESS: perennial or annual (self-seeding)
Height: 60- 80 cm (2 to 3 ft.)
Time to plant seeds: early springor late autumn Propagation: seed
Flowering period: May to September
Delphinium has a long and prolific history dating back to ancient Greek times, from whence its name originates, as the Greeks considered that the shape of the flower resembled the shape of a dolphin. It is represented on the wild by as many as 500 subspecies, growing mostly in high-elevation areas, from the Swiss Alps to Siberia and the Himalayas. They are also widely spread throughout North America.
The modern delphinium is the result of hybridization, which was conducted in the 19th-century, and it has spread to most corners of the world, where it is largely present in traditional gardens, as it offers wonderful blooms throughout the summer. It is most beautiful planted next to roses and white lilies.
As it has a huge number of subspecies, there is widely spread confusion about their origins as well as some name confusion. When buying seeds, you will usually find those classified in one of the following groups: Delphinium cultorum, within which you will find the widely spread Pacific Giants Series, Delphinium grandiflorum and Delphinium belladonna. The ‘Pacific Giant’ series was developed in the United States. They are a very tall variety, growing as high as 6 ft. The Delphiums I have cultivated are sold under the name of Delphium Consolida, which seems to denote the annual variety of Larkspur, as some varieties, commonly referred to as Delphiniums, are perennials.
Larkspur is a wonderful cut flower, with spiky blooms and fern like leaves, which has a vase life of up to a week, available in various shades, which include: coral pink, deep blue and white. Although I have not had the pleasure of seeing one bloom, there is also a lesser known, rare species of Delphinium which has the color yellow. Larkspur is widely popular in England as well, and not just in cottage gardens, but is a regular in the Chelsea Flower Show displays, with many of its cultivars having received the Award of Garden Merit from the British Royal Horticultural Society.
Delphiniums are relatively easy to grow, by direct seeding and will self seed in autumn, making them a permanent fixture in your garden, once established. I have found planting these beauties very rewarding and would recommend it to anyone looking to add height and color to their garden. All they need to flourish is well draining soil and some sunlight. As they grow pretty tall, they might need staking as well, but other than that taking care of them requires minimal effort. If you want to enjoy Larkspur flowers well into autumn, make sure to deadhead the summer blooms, even going as far as to cutting back the plants to around 30 cm’s.