There are an estimated 300-400 different species of Delphinium, but many of them are variations or hybrids of one of the main 12 species. These 12 species include: Delphinium barbeyi, Delphinium brownii, Delphinium californicum, Delphinium cardinale, Delphinium cashmerianum, Delphinium consolida, Delphinium exaltatum, Delphinium glaucum, Delphinium nudicaule, Delphinium patens, Delphinium peregrinum, and Delphinium scaposum.
Delphiniums come in many colors, including blues, whites, pinks, purples, and yellows. Additionally, many species of Delphinium have distinctive patterns such as stripes or blotches. These patterns and colors help distinguish them from one another.
Which are the delphiniums?
Delphiniums are a group of flowering plants that belong to the genus Delphinium. These plants are recognized for their tall and stately spikes of bright blue to purple blooms. Commonly known as larkspurs, delphiniums are herbaceous perennials that are native to the Northern Hemisphere.
They thrive in cool, moist climates and prefer full sun environments. Delphiniums tend to be short-lived, lasting for only a few seasons, so careful planning and maintenance is required for the long-term health and vigor of the plant.
If cared for properly, delphiniums can produce stunning flower spikes from mid-spring to early summer. They can make a striking display in any garden, and provide lush color and texture when mixed with other plants in a courtyard or border.
Can I leave delphiniums in the ground?
Yes, you can leave delphiniums in the ground depending on the hardiness zone you live in. Delphiniums are perennial plants, which means they will return year after year if given the proper care and conditions.
This includes planting in an area with full to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Delphiniums are generally hardy between USDA Hardiness Zones 3 and 8, so if you live in one of those zones, you can safely leave your delphiniums in the ground for the winter.
Make sure to keep the soil moist during this time as dry soil can cause dormancy in the plant. When winter comes, apply a thick layer of mulch over the crown of the plant to help insulate it against the cold temperatures.
If you live in a cold area, you may want to consider bringing the delphinium indoors before the coldest winter weather arrives.
What animal eats delphinium?
Delphiniums are a type of flowering perennial plant, and their petals are typically eaten by a variety of insects and animals. Commonly found species that eat delphiniums include bees, butterflies, moths, caterpillars, wasps, aphids, grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders.
Additionally, larger animals like birds, deer, and rabbits may eat delphiniums. The seeds and foliage are sometimes also a source of food for small rodents and ground-dwelling bugs. To prevent animals from eating delphiniums, gardeners can use physical barriers like chicken wire, as well as chemical deterrents like garlic or cayenne pepper-infused oils.
What happens if you touch delphinium?
If you touch delphinium, you could end up with an irritation on your skin. This is because delphinium leaves, stems, and flowers contain a chemical known as anemonin, which is a toxic glycoside and can cause skin irritation, burning, and itching if it comes in contact with skin.
Additionally, if the flowers have been treated with certain insecticides or fertilizers, this can also cause skin irritation. Ingesting delphinium can also be toxic, so it is important not to touch it or consume it.
How toxic is delphinium?
Delphinium is considered to be moderately toxic, especially the roots and seeds of the plant. Ingestion of delphinium can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In extreme cases, it can cause neurological damage, paralysis of limbs, or even death.
All parts of the plant should be considered poisonous, however, so in most cases it is best to keep it away from children and animals. For these reasons, it is important to take caution when planting or handling delphinium, and never ingest it.
Should I cut back delphiniums after flowering?
Yes, it is important to cut back delphiniums after they have finished flowering. This will help to encourage healthy growth and flowering in future seasons. The process is relatively simple and involves cutting the stem of the flowering shoot down to a pair of leaves.
You can also remove any dead flowers, with the aim of stimulating new growth from the base of your plant. The leaves should remain intact, to ensure energy is retained, and the roots will continue to extract moisture from the soil.
It is important not to remove too much of the foliage as this can cause the plant to become damaged, and further reduce its flowering prospects in the future. It is beneficial to wait until the foliage has started to die and wilt before cutting it back.
This will help you to identify the healthy shoots from the ones that are starting to die off and it will help you to avoid removing too much foliage.
What is the difference between larkspur and Delphinium?
Larkspur and Delphinium are both flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family, however there are a few important differences between them.
Delphiniums are larger and are generally taller than larkspur plants, often growing up to six feet tall. Delphiniums bloom in a variety of colors, ranging from pastel pink to bright purple or blue. The shape of the petals also varies, with some being single or double petalled, while others are spiked.
The flowers of larkspur are smaller and usually grow only two to three feet tall. They come in a range of colors including blue, purple, yellow, white, and pink. The petals of larkspur tend to be more uniform in shape, having five pointed petals in the classic daisy form.
In terms of lifespan, larkspur flowers are annuals, lasting for only one season, while delphiniums are typically perennial, returning for several seasons.
In summary, larkspur and delphinium are both flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family, however there are differences in terms of size, shape, color, and longevity.
What is the bluest Delphinium?
The Delphinium, also known as a larkspur or lark’s heel, is a genus of annual or perennial flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family. One of the most popular Delphinium cultivars is the one known as “Blue Bird,” which boasts a deep, rich, blue hue that can appear almost navy in color.
This particular Delphinium cultivar is known for its long-lasting blooms and for its incredible ability to attract a variety of wildlife to the garden. The “Blue Bird” cultivar has dense clusters of vivid blue flowers atop tall, slender spires, providing gardeners with plenty of color and texture.
In addition to its striking blue hue, this Delphinium also boasts a range of other complementary colors such as notes of pink, violet, and white. This cultivar requires full sun exposure and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
It can reach heights up to four feet, making it a great addition to any garden.
What is the prettiest blue flower in the world?
The conclusion of what is the world’s prettiest blue flower will vary from person to person, as beauty is subjective. However, there are several beautiful blue-flowered plants that could be considered contenders for the title.
For example, Lobelia siphilitica, commonly known as Great Blue Lobelia, is an attractive blue and purple flowering annual. It is an ideal choice for flower pots or the border of a wildflower garden. Additionally, Phlox subulata, also known as Creeping Phlox, is a beautiful low-growing plant with five-petaled blue flowers that bloom in the spring.
Campanula is another lovely species with a range of blue-colored options. For instance, the Canterbury Bells are an incredible hue of blue and excellent for rock gardens. Finally, delphiniums, commonly known as larkspurs, have bell-shaped blue flowers that grow on tall spikes and are a stunning show of color in a garden setting.
So while it is ultimately up to personal opinion, the above varieties could certainly be considered among the prettiest blue flowers in the world.
Is there a pink Delphinium?
Yes, there is a pink Delphinium. It is a member of the plant family Ranunculaceae and is also known as a Larkspur. The pink Delphinium is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is a perennial plant with attractive bell-shaped flowers that can be pink, purple, blue, or white.
The leaves are divided into several lobes, and the stems are very tall and tend to tower over other plants in the garden. The blooms last late into the summer, and the plant requires full sun in order to thrive.
This plant can reach up to 4 feet tall, and its fragrant, sweet-smelling flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. Propagation can be achieved by seeds, however, the most successful is by dividing the root crown in late autumn or early spring.
What does a Delphinium symbolize?
Delphinium, also known as larkspur, symbolizes levity and lightness. It is a beautiful flowering herb with many uses in popular culture. In medieval times, it was a symbol of the divine, which represented faith, protection, and a connection to the spiritual realm.
It was believed to be a sign of protection, especially against hostile forces. It is associated with open-heartedness, joy, and festivities. Additionally, it is believed to bring clarity and guidance to those who seek it and can be seen as a messenger of sorts.
As a result, the flower is often used in decoration, and its blue-violet flowers are seen as a representation of the heavens above. A delphinium is often used to show the beginning of new adventures and optimism for a new beginning.
Its long, thin stems can show fortitude and strength. Furthermore, it is often given to express admiration and deep affection.
Is there a difference between Delphinium and larkspur?
Yes, there is a difference between Delphinium and larkspur. Delphinium is a perennial flower that is native to the Northern Hemisphere and comes in a variety of hues from blue to pink to purple. Larkspur, on the other hand, is an annual flower that comes in shades of blue, purple, or white and is native to the Northern Hemisphere and Asia.
Delphinium has a spike-like bloom structure while larkspur has a more bell-shaped bloom. Both flowers can be lovely additions to a garden and can provide an interesting texture and color variety. Additionally, delphiniums require more maintenance in terms of pruning and fertilizing to ensure they bloom each year while larkspurs are easier to care for and often thrive with minimal intervention.
Is Delphinium also called larkspur?
Yes, Delphinium is also commonly referred to as larkspur. Delphinium is a genus of flowering plants within the family of Ranunculaceae, with between 300 and 350 species of plants distributed throughout the temperate regions of the world.
The common name for these plants, “Larkspur”, comes from the shape of their petals, which resembles the hind claws of a lark. The majority of Delphinium species consists of perennial plants, although some are biennial, and a few are short-lived annuals.
The flowers of these plants range in color, but blues, purples, and whites are the most common hues. The majority of Delphinium species are very attractive and often cultivated in gardens.
Are larkspur and Delphinium the same family?
No, larkspur and Delphinium are not the same family. Larkspur belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, which contains over 2000 species, including Anemones, Clematis, Delphiniums and Larkspurs. Delphinium, on the other hand, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family’s Delphinium genus, which consists of around 300 species.
Both flowers produce small blooms with similar-looking buds and sepals, but the color of the petals and the size of the blooms differ. Additionally, the leaves of a larkspur are usually more deeply lobed than those of a Delphinium.