Delphinium flower is colorful summer flowers that come in many stunning shades, such as pink, blue, white, and even purple delphinium and red delphinium.
Many gardeners love delphinium and use them in cutting gardens or cottage-style gardens.
Though growing delphinium can be a challenging task, you should try to plant it.
Here are some facts, meaning, symbols, and care guide about delphinium.
Table of Contents
1. Facts and Characteristics
Delphinium is derived from the Greek word “deplhis” that means dolphin.
It refers to its closed flower buds that shape is similar to the nose of a dolphin.
Delphinium belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and has over 300 species of delphiniums.
It is native to the Northern Hemisphere and known as larkspurs.
In Greek mythology, delphinium created from the blood of Aias (or Ajax), a Greek god and Trojan war hero who was died during combat.
The delphinium flower blossomed from his blood, and its petals made a letter “Ai” that means alas in Greek.
In modern days, delphiniums are not wild and since the 19th century has been the result of hybridization.
It is one of the most popular summer flower and a perfect flower for someone whose birthday in July.
Delphiniums do not get along well in hot, dry weather and prefer moist, cool summers. The plants also hate sudden rain or wind.
There are three most well-known species; Royal Larkspur, California Larkspur, and Tall Larkspur.
Most delphiniums need staking, except for the dwarf perennials.
Delphinium was once used as a medicine for sleep and relaxation, but due to its toxins, it no longer used for internal use.
The toxins cause slow heart rate, severely lowered blood pressure, and difficulty breathing.
However, delphiniums can cure scorpion stings and are known to repel parasites like lice.
2. Meanings and Symbols
Delphinium flower meaning includes overall positivity and openness to new experiences.
It evokes a feeling of warmth, joy, and fun. You can give them to someone who is feeling blue and encourages them to try new things in their life.
Light blue delphinium and white delphinium flower symbolize new life and youth. Blue is the most common color and symbolizes dignity and grace.
Pink delphinium is perfect for celebrating the birth of a grand-daughter or daughter.
Delphiniums symbolize goodwill, cheerfulness, and remembering loved ones who have passed.
Delphinium flower symbolizes protection. You can give it to someone you love and hope for their safety.
Give this flower to someone who is depressed and needs support; it motivates them to live every day like it is the last and enjoying life to the fullest.
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Delphinium flower symbolizes being happy and celebrating life in general. Since delphinium has a wide variety of colors, you can use it for almost any occasion to celebrate important things.
Delphinium flower has rich colors and grows in many parts of Europe and the United States.
Native Americans even used it for coloring their clothes and other things. They did a special technique to extract the color.
Not only used as a dye, but delphinium also represented pleasant interactions and positive communications.
People also used them as protection against negative things like evil spirits.
Delphinium smell can even scare away the scorpions, so people brought it in their pockets to protect them from bad things.
3. Color Meaning
- White—a symbol of purity and innocence. Usually used as decoration in baptism and weddings or a gift for newborns.
- Blue—represent trust
- Pink—a symbol of love and romance. Give it to your loved ones, whether for anniversary or Valentine’s day
- Purple—a symbol of beauty and royalty
4. How to Plant
You must plant delphinium flower in spring. Grow them in full sun to light shade, then put them in well-drained and fertile soil.
Mix the soil with compost about 4 inches, make a hole that is twice bigger than the plant’s box, and make sure that the top of the root ball is close with the soil.
There are some types of flowers like medium-sized delphiniums, dwarf-sized and as tall ones (could be higher than 6 feet).
Delphinium seeds and very young delphinium plants are poisonous. They can cause nausea, paralysis, twitching muscles if ingested — some worst cases including death.
5. How to Care
Give regular fertilization in spring during the flowering period and at the beginning of growth.
You can use a 10-10-10 granular fertilizer, or if you want it to work well, you can use well-composted organic material like rotted cow manure.
If you find the foliage turns yellow or stunted growth, it indicates that the plants need more fertilizer.
Another thing you need to get right is sun exposure. Give delphinium flower gentle morning sun and provide afternoon shade (in hotter zones).
Then, you must remember to deadhead the first bloom in early summer. When blooms are finished, remove flower stalks.
Once all the blooms are removed, then the fertilization and moisture are met, you can expect a generous blast of blooms later in late summer or early fall.
Since delphinium is short-lived, it may be the final show for the plants, but it is worth the effort as the stunning beauty and long-lasting blooms will give you joy.
For taller varieties, make sure you stake them, especially if it planted in an area with rain or heavy wind.
When the plants reach 12 inches high or before the mid-spring, you should insert supports.
Stake the low-growing perennials with twigs support. If you stress them, the stems will hollow and break easily.
Keep an eye on the young plants as some insects and diseases may attack your delphinium. Make sure you are choosing the right soil.
You may propagate delphiniums from basal cuttings or seed, but never propagate them from diseased plants.
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Delphinium will bring positive energy, joy, and happiness in your house, so before deciding to grow delphinium in your garden, make sure you know how to plant delphinium properly.
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