Larkspur Delphinium Blue Bird Group
ABOUT
The Delphinium Blue Bird Group features a striking display of flowers predominantly in a shade of vivid sky blue, which gives it a resemblance to its namesake, the Bluebird. The flowers are borne on long, sturdy spikes that rise above the foliage. Each individual blossom that adorns these spikes has a central, slightly darker bee, or eye, that contrasts beautifully with the lighter blue petals. The petals themselves are gently ruffled, giving depth and texture to the flower formation. The foliage of the Blue Bird Delphinium is an attractive deep green color, forming a bushy mound at the base of the plant. Leaves are finely divided and somewhat lacy, providing an elegant backdrop for the floral spectacle above. As a member of the buttercup family, the lustrous foliage can exhibit a glossy finish that further accentuates the vibrancy of the blue blooms. This plant's overall appearance is one of classic garden charm and height, often placed towards the back of a border to complement lower-growing flowers and foliage. The striking blue color of its flowers is well-loved by gardeners and is often used to create a cool color palette in garden design, blending well with other shades of blue, purple, and white.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Candle Larkspur, Pacific Giant, Blue Bird.
Common names
Delphinium elatum 'Blue Bird'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including varieties like the Delphinium Blue Bird Group, is toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids that can cause poisoning. If ingested, it can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and muscle paralysis. In severe cases, it can cause respiratory difficulties and may even be life-threatening due to its cardiotoxic and neuromuscular-blocking effects.
To pets
Larkspur is also poisonous to pets, with all parts of the plant being dangerous if consumed. Pets that ingest larkspur may show signs of poisoning which include drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac failure and death, especially in cattle, which are particularly sensitive. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if a pet has ingested larkspur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Delphinium Blue Bird Group is known for its striking blue blooms that add vibrant color and visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem and garden productivity.
- Vertical Interest: With its tall spikes of flowers, Delphinium Blue Bird provides vertical interest, creating depth and structure in garden designs.
- Seasonal Color: It blooms primarily in the early summer, providing a burst of color when many other plants are not yet in full bloom.
- Cottage Garden Style: Delphiniums are a classic choice for traditional cottage garden designs, adding charm and a sense of history.
- Background Plant: Due to its height, it works well as a background plant in mixed borders, giving foreground flowers a beautiful backdrop.
- Wildlife Habitat: By attracting pollinators, it also creates a mini-habitat for wildlife within the garden.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are long-lasting and make for excellent cut flowers, allowing one to bring the beauty of their garden indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: The Delphinium Blue Bird can be used to produce a blue dye for coloring textiles, providing a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Ink production: The flowers can be processed to create a natural, plant-based ink for art and craft applications.
- Garden design: Due to its bold color and height, it can be used as a focal point in garden landscapes or as part of a color-themed garden design.
- As a photography subject: The striking blue flowers make Delphinium Blue Bird a popular choice for floral photography, both amateur and professional.
- Interior decoration: When dried, the flower spikes can be used in floral arrangements to add height and color to indoor spaces.
- Educational purposes: The plant can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and horticulture.
- Cultural symbol: In some traditions or cultures, it may represent certain positive attributes and could be used in ceremonies or as a symbolic gift.
- Theatrical and film use: The plant's bright blue flowers can be used for stage decorations or set design to create a particular aesthetic or atmosphere.
- As a biological pest control agent: Planting Delphinium Blue Bird in a garden can sometimes help deter certain types of pests, without the use of harmful chemicals.
- Artistic inspiration: The unique blue hue of the Delphinium Blue Bird can inspire artists and designers in their color palettes and concept designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Openness to New Experiences: Delphinium, specifically the 'Blue Bird' variety, symbolizes an openness to new experiences due to its association with the vastness of the sky, which is often reflected in its blue hues.
- Protection: Historically, delphiniums have been believed to ward off dangers, evil spirits, and scorpions. Their protective meaning could offer a sense of security.
- Heavenly Aspirations: The tall and skyward reaching nature of the delphinium gives it an association with heavenly aspirations and striving for higher goals.
- Memorial: Delphiniums are often used to honor the memory of lost loved ones, especially because of their blue color, which is sometimes associated with sadness and remembrance in the West.
- Arrogance and Lightness: Due to the light and airy feel of its blooms along with its towering height, the delphinium sometimes carries a dual meaning of arrogance or lightness, depending on the context.
- Fun and Levity: The cheerful appearance of the delphinium, particularly its vivid blue flowers, can represent a sense of fun and bringing positive energy to situations.
- Goodwill and Encouragement: Giving a delphinium, especially in a bouquet, is a way of transmitting wishes of goodwill, happiness, and encouragement to others.
WaterLarkspur, commonly known as Delphinium 'Blue Bird', requires consistent moisture and should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Approximately 1 gallon of water per plant per week is sufficient, though this can vary depending on climate conditions, with hotter, dryer climates possibly necessitating more frequent watering. It’s important not to overwater, as standing water can lead to root rot. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
LightLarkspur thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. They perform best when planted in a spot that is sheltered from strong winds but still receives unfiltered sunlight.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers cooler climates with temperatures ranging between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can tolerate temperatures as low as the high 40s but are generally not heat-tolerant and struggle in conditions consistently above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Larkspur helps maintain its health and vigor. After the first flush of blooms fades, cut back the flower stalks by one-third to encourage a second blooming. Pruning is also necessary to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Larkspur (Delphinium Blue Bird Group) should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure will enhance soil fertility. A mix of loam, peat moss or coconut coir, and sand or perlite is ideal to achieve the required drainage and nutrient content.
RepottingLarkspurs (Delphinium Blue Bird Group) are typically not repotted as they are perennial plants that are better suited to outdoor gardens. However, if grown in containers, young plants may be repotted annually to accommodate growth until they reach their mature size, after which repotting should be less frequent.
Humidity & MistingLarkspurs (Delphinium Blue Bird Group) prefer moderate humidity levels. To achieve ideal conditions, ensure outdoor planting sites have good air circulation and indoor environments should not be too dry; however, they can tolerate a range of humidity conditions commonly found in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Larkspur growth.
Outdoor
Plant Larkspur in sun to part shade, in fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Delphinium 'Blue Bird' (Larkspur) begins with seed germination, which occurs in spring when soil temperatures warm up. Following germination, seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with a basal rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, where it produces more leaves and gains height, often requiring staking due to its tall, slender form. The reproductive stage comes next, usually in early to midsummer, as the Delphinium 'Blue Bird' produces spikes of vibrant blue flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits containing seeds that, when mature, are dispersed to start the next generation. In the fall or after flowering, the plant goes dormant, and in cold climates, it may die back to the ground before regrowing from the rootstock or self-sown seeds next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Delphinium 'Blue Bird', also known as Larkspur, is commonly propagated by seed. The best time for sowing Delphinium seeds is either early spring or late winter, which allows for stratification—a period of cold moist conditions that encourages germination. To propagate Delphinium 'Blue Bird' by seed, you'll need to start with fresh seeds for the best germination rates. Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of pre-moistened, well-draining soil and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite or fine grit to maintain moisture and darkness. Keep the planting medium at around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) and maintain consistent moisture. Seeds usually germinate within 2 to 3 weeks, and once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots before eventually being moved to their permanent location in the garden. It's imperative to handle the young plants delicately, as they are prone to transplant shock.
