where do delphiniums come from

Where do delphiniums grow?

Delphiniums thrive in cold and moist climates and are native to the Northern hemisphere, most notably in the mountainous African tropics. The delphinium flower gets its name from the Greek origin Delphin, which means dolphin.

How did the Delphinium get its name?

The delphinium flower gets its name from the Greek origin Delphin, which means dolphin. If you look closely, the plant is thought to have unique, dolphin-shaped flowers.

What colors do delphiniums come in?

Many feature a white center, which adds a bright contrast to the deep, rich blue. Most delphiniums are in the blue and purple range, but they can also be found in pinks and reds. There are some stunning coral-colored varieties, and even some rare ones in yellow.

What is the root system of delphiniums?

Typically, the root system of delphiniums has a crown and two types of roots extending from it- the anchor roots and the feeder roots. The crown links the root system and the shoot system of the plants.

How toxic are delphiniums?

The delphinium, more commonly called larkspur, is a beautiful and tall flowering plant with toxic amounts of diterpene alkaloids that can cause serious neuromuscular effects in dogs, other animals, and even humans. In fact, just two milligrams of the plant is enough to kill an adult human.

Do delphiniums grow wild?

About Delphiniums It is believed that this plant got its name because delphinium flowers have a slight resemblance to the shape of a dolphin. These flowers can grow wild all over the northern hemisphere.

Are delphiniums invasive?

Delphiniums are not invasive and in fact, may be planted in place of actually invasive plants such as purple loosestrife.

Do delphiniums come back year after year?

Delphiniums are herbaceous perennial flowers—meaning that they die back every fall and winter, but their roots remain alive and regrow the plant every spring and summer.

Is it OK to touch delphinium?

This toxic plant is dangerous, especially the younger parts of the plant. If consumed by humans, it will cause severe digestive issues, and if touched, it can cause severe skin irritation. All parts of the plant contain poisonous chemicals, including various diterpenoid alkaloids like methyllycaconitine.

Do delphiniums self seed?

“They reseed themselves most years, so they are often confused with perenials. “Larkspur flowers are a bit smaller, but come in the same wonderful colors as delphiniums. They are normally sold as mixes, which means you get a large splattering of many colors.

How many years do delphiniums last?

2-3 yearsUnfortunately, delphiniums have an average lifespan of 2-3 years at most.

What animal eats delphinium?

Insect pests that seem to prefer Delphiniums are aphids, leaf miners, and mites; in wet conditions, the ever-present slug will feast on Delphiniums.

Do bees like delphiniums?

The best plants for bees tend to be old-fashioned cottage varieties, so if your granny grew it, chances are the bees will love it. Look out for perennials like delphiniums, foxgloves, hollyhock, campanula, scabious, astrantia, lavender, achillea, mallow and daisies.

Do you deadhead delphinium?

Deadhead delphiniums regularly to encourage further blooming. Perennial delphiniums bloom from late spring to early summer, and may even grace you with a second showing in later summer or early fall. To make the most of the blooming season, deadhead these plants regularly.

Do you cut delphiniums down after flowering?

Cutting back after flowering Early-flowering perennials such as geraniums and delphiniums are cut to near ground level after flowering to encourage fresh foliage and late summer flowering. These are then cut back again in autumn or spring.

What do you do with delphiniums in the winter?

In preparation for winterizing delphiniums, water the plants regularly as winter approaches and continue until the ground freezes so hard it can no longer absorb moisture. Don't water with a sprinkler; get in there with a hose and let it trickle until the roots are thoroughly saturated.

Are delphiniums good for wildlife?

Delphinium plants and seeds are very poisonous to both humans and animals and, if consumed, can lead to severe illness, paralyses and even death. Keep them away from your children and pets!

What is the difference between delphinium and larkspur?

Delphinium tends to be a perennial species, whereas larkspur is an annual. Foliage of larkspur is finer textured than delphinium. When it comes to blooms, delphinium flowers are densely born on spikes while individual blossoms tend to be much larger than larkspur.

Where do delphiniums grow best?

Full sunFull sun is ideal as Delphiniums bloom best in sunny spots except in the South, where afternoon shade is appreciated. These plants require excellent drainage. In poor or heavy soil, add organic matter at planting time to improve drainage. Delphiniums love fertile, rich, moist soils.

How many years do delphiniums last?

2-3 yearsUnfortunately, delphiniums have an average lifespan of 2-3 years at most.

What is a delphinium?

Delphiniums are perennials grown for their showy spikes of colorful summer flowers in gorgeous shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. They are popular in cottage-style gardens and cutting gardens. Delphiniums are a favorite of many gardeners, but can sometimes be a challenge.

How tall do delphiniums grow?

There are dwarf-sized delphiniums and medium-sized as well as tall ones (growing up to 6 feet and higher).

How to deadhead delphiniums?

Deadhead by cutting spent flower spikes back to small, flowering side shoots. After delphiniums have finished blooming, cut flower stalks to the ground, and new, though smaller, flower stalks will develop. The flowers will survive the coming cold days and even light frosts. ( See local frost dates .)

When to insert supports for delphiniums?

Insert supports no later than midspring or when the plants reach 12 inches high. Stake the low-growing perennials with twiggy, brushwood support. The taller, large-flowered delphiniums need sturdy stakes.

When to divide delphiniums?

If delphiniums need to be divided in the spring, remove and replant the new little plants growing around the outside of the clump. Discard the hard old heart.

Is delphinium poisonous?

Very young delphinium plants and delphinium seeds are poisonous. If ingested, they can cause nausea, twitching muscles, paralysis, and even death.

Do delphiniums like rain?

They prefer moist, cool summers and do not fare well in hot, dry weather. The plants also dislike sudden wind or rain. Except for the dwarf perennials, most delphiniums need staking.

What is a Delphinium?

Delphinium is a genus that encapsulates roughly 300 species of flowering, perennial plants that vary in colour and shape. The most common species of delphinium (also known as larkspur) is characterised by tall flower spikes that produce striking blue blossoms.

How tall does a delphinium grow?

Other variations of delphinium may give rise to white, yellow, red, or lavender coloured flowers. The tallest among these often grow between 1 and 2 metres high, if correctly cared for.

Do delphiniums come back every year?

Yes. Delphiniums are perennial – meaning they grow back every spring. They are tolerant of frost and will rarely be killed off during the winter months.

Are delphiniums hard to grow?

While del phiniums are not an easy plant to propagate, they thrive when given the correct care. If you heed the advice in this guide, you will undoubtedly succeed in growing them.

How many years do delphiniums last?

Unfortunately, delphiniums have an average lifespan of 2-3 years at most.

Should I cut back delphiniums after flowering?

Yes. Cutting the stalks of the delphinium plant after it has flowered will encourage the growth of new, smaller stalks that will grow and bear flowers of their own during the following spring.

How do you keep delphiniums from falling over?

As soon as your delphinium plant approaches maturity, provide it with a stake to keep it steady. Plant the stake in the ground close to the base of the plant and loosely fasten the stem to the stake. Fully-grown delphiniums are notoriously heavy and will collapse under their own weight without much external force.

What color are delphiniums?

Most delphiniums are in the blue and purple range, but they can also be found in pinks and reds. There are some stunning coral-colored varieties, and even some rare ones in yellow. These plants have attractive foliage in a pleasing green, with palm-shaped leaves like a fern.

How tall does a delphinium grow?

These elegant plants add a strong vertical element. Because some varieties can grow up to 6 feet tall, plant these at the back of a garden border.

How tall does Delphinium Grandiflorum grow?

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly' grows to only 14 inches tall and has deep blue flowers with a hint of purple. It tolerates heat better than other delphiniums, blooming through most of the summer. Zones 4-7

Why do delphiniums need full sun?

Ideally, delphiniums should be planted in full sun for the best blooms and sturdiest stems. In too much shade, especially in humid climates, fungus issues can arise on the foliage.

Do delphiniums like hot summers?

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that delphiniums don't like hot summers; they perform best in mild weather. When it does get hot, plants can melt out and die back to the ground.

Where do delphiniums come from?

Delphiniums thrive in cold and moist climates and are native to the Northern hemisphere, most notably in the mountainous African tropics.

Where did the delphinium flower get its name?

The delphinium flower gets its name from the Greek origin Delphin, which means dolphin. If you look closely, the plant is thought to have unique, dolphin-shaped flowers. But, while the Greeks call the flower delphiniums, us English often refer to them as larkspur, after the claws of a lark.

Why is it important to keep delphiniums moist?

It is very important to keep delphiniums constantly moist and not to let the plant dry out - this could cause mildew to grow which can ruin the plant.

How many spikes should a delphinium have?

A newly planted one-year-old should have one spike, two-year-olds should have three spikes and an eight-year-old can have anywhere from 20 to 50 spikes. Getty Images. Pests... Slugs are a major problem for delphiniums.

How to start a delphinium plant?

There are two ways to begin your delphinium journey - through seed raising and through propagation by cutting.

How long does it take for Delphinium to lose its vitality?

3. Trying to germinate old seeds - Delphinium seeds tend to lose vitality after one year.

How to deter slugs from delphiniums?

Barter recommends performing a garlic drench. You can either purchase this or make your own by boiling two pints of water and adding crushed garlic cloves. Boil for half an hour and then strain into a bottle.

Where are Delphiniums native to?

’. These plants are native to the Northern Hemisphere and high mountain areas in Africa.

Where did the name Delphinium come from?

The delphinium name comes from the Greek word delphis, which translates to ‘dolphin’ referring to the shape of the plant’s flower buds.

What Do Delphinium Flowers Represent?

The meaning and symbolism of delphiniums are quite interesting. They generally symbolize goodwill and cheerfulness. The beautiful blooms bring forth joy and warmth that they make great gifts to cheer up someone.

How tall does a purple Delphinium grow?

Each plant grows up to 4 to 6 ft tall and spreads up to 1 to 2 ft.

How tall do delphiniums get?

Plant height varies depending on the variety, which ranges from 1 to 2 ft (for dwarf varieties) to 6 to 8 ft (tall varieties).

How tall does Black Knight delphinium grow?

The ‘Black Knight’ delphinium displays semi-double dark purple flowers with dark eyes forming tall spikes and deeply-cut green leaves. Growing 4 to 6 ft in height and 1 ft wide, ‘Black Knight’ often requires staking for support. If unsupported, the stalks of this plant snap easily in strong winds.

How many petals does a delphinium have?

Each floret typically has five glabrous petal-like sepals that form a hollow pouch with a distinguished spur at one end. Inside this pouch are the flower’s four true petals. Delphinium flowers have different forms depending on the number of their sepals and petals. They can be single, semi-double, or double.

What diseases do delphiniums get?

Delphiniums are susceptible to a host of diseases including powdery mildew, Southern blight, bacterial and fungal spots, gray mold, crown and root rot, rust and others. Planting your delphiniums in a well-ventilated area and keeping the foliage dry will go a long way in preventing disease.

What are the pollinators of Delphinium?

Delphiniums attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds; resistant to deer and rabbits.

How tall does a grandiflorum grow?

Grandiflorum Group: Also called Chinese or Siberian delphinium, this variety has a compact, bushy habit and grows 1 to 2 feet tall and nearly as wide. Grandiflorums bloom blue or white flowers mid-summer and tend to have a higher heat tolerance than other delphinium species.

How much sun does a delphinium need?

Delphinium plants require 6 to 8 hours of sun a day, and gentle morning and early afternoon sun is preferred. The roots need cool, moist shade.

Can delphiniums grow in a garden?

Many gardeners steer clear of growing delphiniums in their garden because of their high-maintenance needs. If you’re not up for the challenges of growing delphinium flowers but still want the look of tall flower stalks, you might consider one of these alternatives:

Is delphinium poisonous to humans?

All delphiniums are considered toxic and parts of the plant and flower may cause severe discomfort to humans and animals if ingested. Gloves and long sleeves should be worn when working with delphiniums, as contact with the foliage can result in skin irritation.

Do delphiniums need water?

Water deeply during rainless periods, but don’t allow standing water. Delphiniums like it moist, but water that lingers causes crown and root rot. Water delphiniums at the base, keeping the foliage dry to help prevent disease.

Where does the delphinium plant come from?

The delphinium belongs to the Ranunculaceae family native to the Northern Hemisphere. In total, delphiniums include over 300 species. However, when people admire the height of the delphinium plant, they’re likely referring to the elatum (tall) variety.

What is a delphinium?

The delphinium is a type of perennial plant known for its long stem and vibrant blue, purple, pink or white flowers. Although these plants make gorgeous additions to any garden, they can be tricky to grow — that’s why learning proper delphinium care is key.

How long do delphiniums last in a vase?

You can either use the delphiniums as filler flowers or create a summer bouquet full of them. Delphiniums can last one to two weeks in a vase with proper care, so here are some tips to keep your bouquet at its best:

What diseases can delphiniums get?

Problems: Delphiniums can become infected with a variety of diseases including aster yellows, powdery mildew, diaporthe blight and rotting of the root, crown or stem. Keep an eye out for any discoloration, unpleasant odor and deformation. In most cases, you can remedy the disease by removing the affected areas.

How much sun do delphiniums need?

Delphiniums need around six to eight hours of sun every day to look their best, and gentle morning or afternoon sunlight is optimal. If you live somewhere warmer, make sure your delphiniums get enough shade from the hot afternoon sun.

How hot does it have to be for a delphinium to grow?

Delphiniums are at their best with temperatures between around 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. To help them survive harsh winters, you may want to add mulch for a protective layer against the elements. During hotter months, make sure they’re getting enough shade throughout the day.

What is the birth flower of July?

Due to the delphinium ’s bright colors, Native Americans and Europeans used the flower to make dye. The plant also has the ability to cure scorpion stings and ward off certain parasites. Finally, the delphinium is the July birth flower, making it the perfect gift for a July baby.

What zone do delphiniums grow in?

By and large, delphiniums prefer cold weather and most types thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7, though some will do alright in Zone 8. Because they take a year to produce blooms, it’s best not to try to grow them as annuals in warmer or cooler growing zones.

How to propagate delphiniums?

There are two ways to propagate delphiniums: from seed or from stem cuttings. Alternatively you can start with nursery-grown seedlings or mature plants. Transplanting mature plants from the store that are just about ready to flower is the fastest way to get a burst of color in the garden.

Why are my delphinium leaves black?

As its name suggests, bacterial leaf spot causes small black spots to appear on delphinium leaves. Untreated, the spots grow larger and larger until they eventually turn the entire leaf black.

What is Grandiflorum derived from?

The Grandiflorum Group contains cultivars derived from, D. grandiflorum, also known as Chinese delphinium. Flowers in this group are dwarf varieties that tend to grow with a bushy habit, instead of being tall and skinny. They’re also known for their higher tolerance for warm summers and grow comfortably in Zone 8.

What is the name of the flower that resembles a dolphin's nose?

The most popular explanation for the name “delphinium” is that ancient Greeks (in 700-480 BC) thought the unopened buds with their telltale spurs resembled a dolphin’s nose.

What does "dolphin" mean in Greek?

In ancient Greek, “dolphin” translates to “delphínion.”. It’s easy to see how “delphinium” emerged from the word. The flowers have been grown and cultivated in gardens since at least the 16th century. I confess that when I first planted my three delphiniums, I called them larkspur.

Where do delphiniums come from?

The word delphinium comes from the Greek delphinos, meaning dolphin, probably because of the shape of the opening flowers. Their common name, larkspur, dates back to Tudor times.

Which delphiniums have the most flowers?

The Elatum Group of delphiniums are the most commonly grown and are the tallest type, with spikes of single or double flowers reaching up to 2m. Belladonna delphiniums are shorter, with a looser, more branching habit and single flowers.

How to propagate delphiniums?

The best method of propagating delphiniums is to take cuttings from the base of the plant (basal cuttings) in spring. In spring, when the new shoots appear, take a sharp knife and cut a shoot, just below the surface of the soil. Take one or two shoots from each plant.

What causes black spots on leaves on Delphinium?

Delphinium black blotch is a bacterial infection that causes large black blotches on leaves. It is particularly common in wet summers and can affect the health of the whole plant. The only treatment is to remove affected plants to prevent the spread of this disease.

How to protect delphiniums from snails?

In spring, as soon as the new shoots appear, protect them from slugs and snails – they will demolish the fresh green new growth of young delphiniums. Use a garlic drench, organic slug pellets, or a biological control (which is only effective against slugs).

How tall do delphiniums get?

Nothing quite beats the drama of delphiniums. In June and July, they produce towering flower spikes that can reach over 2m tall. They are probably best known for their vivid sapphire blue shades, but they also come in mauve, pink, white and even red. The flowers can be single or double, depending on the variety.

What is the color of Delphinium?

Delphinium ‘Amadeus’ – a gorgeous cultivar, bearing velvety, deep-purple/blue flowers with a dark brown ‘eye’. It makes a spectacular cut flower.

Overview

External links

• GRIN: Species in the genus Delphinium' — with links by species for information + synonyms.
• USDA-ARS: Larkspur—Delphinium spp. Fact Sheet — native U.S. species and grazing toxicity.
• MBG—Kemper Center for Home Gardening: Delphinium "Pacific Giant Hybrids" — horticultural information.

Habitat

Description

Taxonomy

Ecology

Cultivation

Toxicity

Cultivation

Risks

• Plant delphiniums in humus-rich, well-drained, organic soils. While it's important to keep the plants consistently moist (they don't handle drought well), be sure that the soil has proper drainage. Standing water can lead to crown rot, which causes the whole base of the plant to rot, which will eventually lead to death.

See more on bhg.com

Management

Varieties

Description

Types