Delphinium Delphinium 'Blue Dawn'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' is an eye-catching flowering perennial known for its striking blooms. It showcases tall spikes of lush, vibrant blue flowers that charm any observer with a gradient of shades from a deep, oceanic hue at the base to a lighter sky blue at the tips. Each bloom on the spire-like racemes is comprised of numerous smaller florets, each with five petal-like sepals that spread around a central, slightly darker bee, or central tuft of stamens. The plant itself bears deeply lobed, green leaves that are divided into broad segments, providing a rich, textured backdrop to the floral display. These spiky inflorescences give the plant an elegant and stately appearance, creating a vertical accent in garden borders or when planted en masse. The Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' brings a touch of regal charm to the landscape. Its prominent flowering spikes are a haven for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are attracted to the blooms throughout the flowering season. The plant embodies the quintessential look of a cottage garden specimen, with a romantic allure that is synonymous with the timeless beauty of English garden design.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Candle Larkspur, Candle Delphinium, Rocket Larkspur.
Common names
Delphinium 'Blue Dawn'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the 'Blue Dawn' variety, is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain various alkaloids, particularly delphinine. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include nervousness, depression, muscular weakness, and cardiovascular issues, such as irregular heart rhythms. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to respiratory paralysis and death.
To pets
Larkspur is also highly toxic to pets. The alkaloids, including delphinine, can affect the nervous system and cause gastrointestinal distress, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea in animals that ingest the plant. Other symptoms may include salivation, muscular weakness, convulsions, and potentially fatal respiratory or cardiac failure. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if a pet has ingested any part of a larkspur plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which helps with the pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Ornamental Value: It has visually striking blue flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Height Variation: The plant can grow to be quite tall, providing structure and height variation in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in the early summer, offering a splash of color during this time and adding seasonal interest to the garden.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other perennials and annuals, helping to create diverse and vibrant garden displays.
- Cut Flowers: Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' is ideal for cut flower arrangements due to its long stems and beautiful blooms, lasting well in vases.
- Cold Tolerant: It is tolerant of colder temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in temperate climates.
- Wildlife Habitat: Beyond pollinators, it can also provide habitat for other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' provides a striking backdrop or focus for garden photography due to their tall spikes of vibrant blue flowers.
- Textile Dye: The intense blue of Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabric and yarn, although it is not a common practice.
- Educational Tool: These plants can be used in educational settings to teach botany and the lifecycle of perennials, helping students understand plant growth and reproduction.
- Art Inspiration: The distinctive blossoms of Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' often inspire artists and are used as a motif in paintings, drawings, and other art forms.
- Horticultural Training: The cultivation of Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' involves skills in staking and managing tall perennials, which can be useful for teaching gardening techniques.
- Garden Design: Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' can play a structural role in garden design, providing height and color contrast in perennial borders and beds.
- Culinary Decoration: While not edible, the flowers can be used as a temporary garnish for plating and presentation in high-end culinary arts, but should never be consumed.
- Floral Arrangements: The tall, showy stalks of Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' make them a popular choice for inclusion in floral displays and arrangements.
- Butterfly Garden: They contribute toward creating a butterfly garden as they are attractive to pollinators and can help support local ecosystems.
- Theme Gardens: Delphinium 'Blue Dawn' can be used in 'blue-themed' gardens where the color scheme is specifically designed around shades of blue.
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, with its skyward pointing blooms, symbolizes striving for new goals and reaching new heights.
- Protection: In ancient folklore, it was believed that delphiniums could ward off evil spirits and dangers, offering protection.
- Arbitraryness: Because of the wide range of colors and its rapid growth, delphinium represents the unpredictable nature of life and the variety it encompasses.
- Positivity: The bright blue color of the 'Blue Dawn' delphinium evokes a sense of joy and positive energy.
- Remembrance: Delphiniums are often associated with remembering loved ones lost, hence it is commonly used in memorial arrangements.
WaterLarkspur 'Blue Dawn' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, if the weather is especially hot or dry, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. Generally, provide around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant for each watering session. Ensure that the water penetrates the soil to reach the deep roots. It is better to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightLarkspur 'Blue Dawn' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal location is a spot where the plant can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, in particularly hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from scorching.
TemperatureLarkspur 'Blue Dawn' can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 85°F, but it thrives ideally in a range of 50°F to 70°F. It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures, especially frost and prolonged heat waves.
PruningLarkspur 'Blue Dawn' requires pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to promote further flowering. Cut back the stems by one-third after the initial blooming period is over, typically in mid to late summer, and this may encourage a second bloom. Pruning is also necessary at the end of the blooming season to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Larkspur 'Blue Dawn' is well-drained, fertile loam with a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A blend of equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal, ensuring good drainage and airflow while retaining moisture.
RepottingLarkspur 'Blue Dawn' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Blue Dawn' thrives best at moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, steady temps, and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in rich, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Delphinium 'Blue Dawn', also known as Larkspur, begins with seed germination, which occurs in the early spring, as the soil warms up and moisture is plentiful. Following germination, the seedlings establish a root system and produce a rosette of basal leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy, upright stem with deeply lobed leaves and elongates to produce a spike of vibrant blue flowers, typically during late spring to early summer. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed; the blossoms fade and dry out to release the seeds, which will disperse for future germination. Once the reproductive cycle is complete, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in regions with cold winters. For perennial specimens, the Larkspur will reemerge from its root structure the following spring, continuing its life cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Delphinium 'Blue Dawn', commonly known as Larkspur, is by seed. Timing is crucial, and the best time to sow Larkspur seeds is in early spring, after the risk of frost has passed. To propagate by seed, prepare a well-draining soil mix and scatter the seeds on top, lightly covering them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the container in an area with plenty of indirect sunlight. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings have developed their first true set of leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden at a spacing of about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart.
