Delphinium, larkspur, and larkspur are synonyms for the same plant of the genus Delphinium in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The Latin name Delphinium refers to the dolphin-like appearance of its flower bud, while the common name "larkspur" refers to the spur-like growth on the flower. "Larkspur" refers to its use in folk medicine for healing wounds.
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| Delphinium |
Key points:
Genus: Delphinium
Family: Ranunculaceae
Names: Larkspur, Delphinium, and Larkspur
Species: These include annuals and perennials; many are poisonous but are widely used as ornamentals.
Thus, when referring to delphinium, larkspur, or larkspur, we are talking about the same flower, which has several names.
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A genus of herbaceous plants in the buttercup family, renowned for its majestic, tall flower spikes. These flowers are a hallmark of classic English and cottage gardens, catching the eye with vibrant shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
ReplyDeleteThe Ranunculaceae family is a remarkable and extensive family that includes more than just delphiniums. Most of its members are perennial (less frequently annual) herbaceous plants that thrive in cool, moist conditions and are often among the very first to bloom in early spring.
DeleteHeight: Varies by cultivar—ranging from compact border varieties (40–60 cm) to giants reaching 2 meters or more.
ReplyDeleteColor palette: One of the few plants with a rich, natural blue hue. Varieties also come in shades of light blue, lavender, purple, soft pink, and pure white.
Bee: Gardeners use this term to describe the flower's contrasting center (or "eye"), which is often black, brown, or white.
Delphinium stems are hollow and break easily under the weight of the flower clusters during a storm.
ReplyDeleteIf you like delphiniums, take a look at other popular members of this family that will adorn any garden.
ReplyDeleteDelphiniums: https://gerbizor.blogspot.com/search?q=delphiniums&m=0;
Buttercups (Ranunculaceae): https://gerbizor.blogspot.com/search?q=Buttercups+(Ranunculaceae)&m=0;
The plants require abundant watering applied strictly to the root zone (getting water on the leaves promotes powdery mildew). Delphiniums are "hungry" plants, so they need regular feeding with balanced fertilizers or compost in the spring and during the flowering period.
As soon as the first wave of blooms fades in early summer, the flower stalk is cut back. This encourages the plant to produce new shoots for a second flush of flowers in late summer or early autumn.
DeleteIf you like delphiniums, consider these other popular members of the same family that will adorn any garden:
ReplyDeleteClematis: A highly popular garden vine featuring huge, vibrant flowers. Unlike most members of the buttercup family, it has woody stems.
Aquilegia (Columbine): An elegant plant with uniquely shaped flowers (featuring spurs, much like the delphinium) and delicate, lacy foliage.
Anemone (Windflower): Delicate flowers that sway gently in even the slightest breeze. Varieties range from spring-blooming (woodland) types to large autumn-blooming ones.
Peony: An important note: peonies were once classified as part of the buttercup family due to their visual resemblance, but modern botanists have assigned them to their own distinct family—Paeoniaceae.
Hellebore: A unique flower that blooms right out of the snow in late winter or early spring.
Globeflower (Trollius): Vibrant, globe-shaped yellow or orange flowers—often appearing double-petaled—that frequently grow near bodies of water.
Aconite (Monkshood): A close relative of the delphinium, featuring similar tall, blue, hood-like flower spikes. Extremely poisonous!