Delphinium plants are striking perennials known for their tall, colorful flower spires. Available in shades of blue, purple, pink, white, and sometimes yellow, their vibrant blooms add significant visual interest to any landscape.
Attracting Pollinators
Delphiniums attract various pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. Their vibrant, nectar-rich flowers appeal to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bumblebees are especially drawn to the blue and violet hues common in many varieties, and the tubular flower shape guides pollinators to nectar and pollen.
These plants provide a consistent food source, blooming from late spring through summer, with some varieties offering a second flush of blooms. By attracting these beneficial insects and birds, delphiniums contribute to garden biodiversity and aid in the pollination of other plants.
Garden Design and Cut Flowers
Delphiniums serve as impressive vertical elements in garden design. Their towering spires, which can grow up to 8 feet tall, create depth and draw the eye upward. They are often used as focal points, background plants in perennial borders, or to add drama against walls and fences. Delphiniums pair well with mounded or wispy plants like roses, peonies, and foxgloves, offering striking form contrast.
Beyond garden use, delphiniums are valued as cut flowers for their long vase life and vibrant colors. For optimal vase life, harvest stems when the bottom one-third to one-half of the florets are open. Cutting the main stem encourages smaller, secondary blooms, extending the flowering period. Once cut, placing them in water with a floral conditioner helps maintain freshness for 4 to 12 days.
Historical Uses and Symbolism
Delphiniums have cultural significance, with their name derived from ancient Greek “delphis,” meaning dolphin, due to the flower buds’ resemblance to a dolphin’s snout. In English folklore, they are also known as “larkspur,” referring to the spur-like shape of the flower resembling a lark’s claw.
Historically, delphiniums were believed to offer protection, such as warding off witches from stables in Transylvania. Native Americans and European settlers used the flowers to create blue dyes and inks. Symbolically, delphiniums are linked to concepts like openness, joy, goodwill, and protection. Different colors carry specific meanings, with blue signifying dignity and grace, and white and pink representing new life.
Important Safety Information
All parts of the delphinium plant are toxic if ingested. They contain diterpene alkaloids, such as delphinine, which can be harmful to humans and animals. Ingestion symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Larger quantities can lead to cardiac or respiratory failure, muscle tremors, stiffness, and convulsions.
Toxicity varies, with new spring shoots often being the most potent. When handling delphiniums, wear gloves to prevent skin irritation. For safety, place delphinium plants in garden areas inaccessible to young children and pets.