Larkspur Delphinium 'Blue Nile'
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Blue Nile' is a captivating plant known for its strikingly beautiful flowers which are a rich, deep blue in color, often with a hint of purple. These blooms are arranged in tall, elongated spikes, towering gracefully as they present themselves against the green of the foliage. The individual flowers are made up of a few rounded petals that are somewhat asymmetrical, each with a central bee or eye that often appears in a contrasting lighter or darker shade, adding complexity to their beauty. The leaves of the Delphinium 'Blue Nile' are deeply lobed with a soft texture and a rich green hue that creates a lush backdrop for the vivid flowers. The plant has a bushy habit, with the foliage densely packed around the base and along the lower part of the stems which hold high the floral spikes. The overall appearance is one of classic garden elegance, evoking the feel of a traditional English cottage garden. Its vibrant blue flowers are particularly prized for their ability to add vertical interest and a splash of cool-toned color to garden beds and borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium.
Common names
Delphinium 'Blue Nile'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the variety 'Blue Nile', is poisonous to humans. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids such as delphinine, which can cause serious symptoms if ingested. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, muscle tremors, and cardiac problems such as arrhythmias. In severe cases, respiratory paralysis and death can occur. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if any part of the plant is ingested.
To pets
Larkspur, including the 'Blue Nile' variety, is toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to poisoning, as it contains harmful alkaloids. Pets may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness, tremors, and possibly seizures. More severe cases can cause cardiac issues and respiratory failure, which can be fatal. If a pet has consumed larkspur, urgent veterinary care is essential.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Delphinium 'Blue Nile' adds striking blue-purple spikes of flowers to gardens, which can create an impressive visual display during its blooming season.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which are beneficial for the local ecosystem and other plants in the garden.
- Vertical Interest: With its tall flowering spikes, it creates vertical interest in garden beds or borders, adding structure and height to landscape designs.
- Cottage Garden Charm: The plant is a classic choice for cottage garden themes, contributing to a traditional and romantic garden aesthetic.
- Cut Flowers: The long stems and vibrant flowers of Delphinium 'Blue Nile' are suitable for cutting and making beautiful floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Larkspur dye: The intense blue color of the Larkspur can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics and art projects.
- Companion planting: Larkspur is known to repel certain pests, making it a useful companion plant in vegetable gardens and among other ornamentals.
- Photographic subject: The striking appearance of Larkspur 'Blue Nile' makes it a popular choice for photographers and visual artists looking to capture its vivid color and elegant form.
- Garden design: Larkspur can be used to provide vertical interest and a splash of color in cottage gardens or perennial borders.
- Cut flower arrangements: Fresh Larkspur stems are commonly used in floral arrangements for their height and vivid blue hues.
- Dried floral displays: Larkspur flowers retain their color when dried, making them suitable for long-lasting displays and crafts such as wreaths and potpourri.
- Wildlife attractant: Larkspur can attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden, supporting local biodiversity.
- Edible flower garnish: While not commonly used, the petals of certain delphinium species can be edible and may adorn desserts or salads for visual appeal. Note: only specific varieties are edible and consumption should be done with caution as Larkspur plants are mostly toxic.
- Memento or gift: A pressed Larkspur flower can serve as a botanical keepsake or be included in personalised handmade gifts like bookmarks and greeting cards.
- Cultural events: Larkspur's impressive color has made it a traditional flower used in various cultural events and ceremonies, depending on local customs and significance attributed to the flower's symbolism.
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: The Delphinium, with its tall and striking presence, represents a willingness to explore and embrace novel opportunities.
- Protection: Delphiniums are often associated with protection due to their historical use in gardens to ward off negative forces and pests.
- Ardent Attachment: The vibrant blue hue of the Delphinium 'Blue Nile' suggests a deep and passionate attachment to someone or something.
- Celebrating Success: Given the Delphinium's regal stature, the plant is symbolic of reaching accomplishments and celebrating victories.
- Spiritual Sensitivity: The lightness and grace of this flower symbolize an openness to the spiritual or the divine.
- Lightness and Levity: The airy blooms of the Delphinium convey a sense of carefree joy and a light-hearted disposition.
WaterLarkspur requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water it once or twice weekly, providing the plant with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Ensure the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, as larkspur does not like to sit in soggy soil. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to increase the frequency of watering, ensuring you soak the soil deeply to encourage root growth. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightLarkspur thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best growth and flower production, position larkspur in a spot where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If situated in too much shade, the plant may produce fewer blooms and become leggy as it stretches towards the light.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for larkspur is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can handle cold snaps but should be protected from extreme heat, ensuring it does not sit for extended periods at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune larkspur to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate a second bloom. After the first flowers fade, cut back the flower stalks to just above a set of leaves or a new shoot. Prune larkspur in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth. The best time for pruning is right after the first flowering has finished.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Blue Nile' thrives in a well-draining, fertile loam with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-7.5). For best results, mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and ensure good drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand.
RepottingLarkspur 'Blue Nile' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an annual; however, if grown as a perennial, it may need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Blue Nile' prefers moderate humidity levels but is generally tolerant to the humidity conditions found in most temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and well-draining soil for Larkspur indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Larkspur in sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium 'Blue Nile', commonly known as larkspur, begins its life cycle as seeds that germinate in early spring, provided with proper soil temperature and moisture. The seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic green foliage and a central stem. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage and produces long spires of intense blue or violet flowers, preferred conditions include cooler temperatures and well-drained soil. After the flowering stage, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. If not deadheaded, these seeds can drop to the ground and may give rise to new plants the following year. With the onset of cold weather in late fall or winter, the larkspur becomes dormant, dying back to the ground, and relying on its root system to survive until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Delphinium 'Blue Nile', commonly known as Larkspur, is by seed. The best time to sow Delphinium seeds is in spring, after the risk of frost has passed, or in early fall if you are in a region with mild winters. The seeds can be directly sown into well-draining soil in a sunny to partly shaded location, or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, as they need darkness to germinate. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks at temperatures around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final positions in the garden, ensuring a spacing of about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth.
