Larkspur Delphinium 'Cassius'
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Cassius' is characterized by its showy and vibrant flowers, which are commonly recognized for their intense blue hue that can range into shades of violet. The blooms are densely packed on spikes, creating a dramatic floral display that is often a focal point in gardens. Individual flowers are shaped like little cups with a prominent center, known as a "bee," that can be either white or black and contrasts with the petals. The plant itself has a clump-forming habit with deeply lobed, green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the towering flowers. It’s noteworthy for its stately and upright stance, which adds an architectural element to the setting in which it is placed. The stems are sturdy, though they sometimes require support to stay upright due to the weight of the flowers. Throughout its blooming season, the Delphinium 'Cassius' can produce multiple flower spikes, which adds to the charm of this plant over time. The foliage remains attractive even when the plant is not in bloom, making it a valued addition to the garden for its aesthetic appeal throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Candle Larkspur, Elatum Larkspur
Common names
Delphinium 'Cassius'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the Delphinium 'Cassius' variety, is highly toxic to humans when any part of the plant is ingested. The plant contains various alkaloids, with delphinine being the primary toxic component. Symptoms of poisoning can appear within a few hours and may include burning in the mouth, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness, and paralysis. Severe cases can potentially lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly. It is crucial to avoid consuming any part of the larkspur plant.
To pets
Larkspur, including the Delphinium 'Cassius' variety, is highly toxic to pets, especially to cattle, horses, and other domestic animals. Ingesting the plant can cause symptoms such as neuromuscular paralysis, constipation, bloating, drooling, muscle tremors, stupor, and potentially lead to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested and the size of the pet. Immediate veterinary attention is required if a pet consumes any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet [1.2-1.8 meters]
Spread
1-3 feet [0.3-0.9 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Delphinium 'Cassius' attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Visual Interest: With its tall spikes of deep blue flowers, Delphinium 'Cassius' adds height and dramatic color to garden beds and borders.
- Seasonal Color: Its flowering season in early to mid-summer provides a splash of color when many other plants are not in peak bloom.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Delphiniums are classic cottage garden plants, bringing a charming old-fashioned feel to any landscape.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Vertical Accent: It serves as an excellent vertical element in the garden due to its tall growth habit.
- Easy to Grow: While it requires some basic care, Delphinium 'Cassius' is generally easy to grow in the right conditions, making it suitable for many gardeners.
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: The vibrant colors of Delphinium make it an excellent choice for photographers seeking to add a pop of natural color to their images.
- Garden Borders: Due to its height and striking color, Delphinium can be used to create dramatic borders in a garden landscape.
- Dye Production: The petals of Delphinium can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, giving fabrics a beautiful blue hue.
- Companion Planting: Delphinium serves well as a companion plant in gardens to attract pollinators for nearby vegetable crops.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its culinary uses, Delphinium flowers can be used as an ornamental garnish for desserts and drinks after ensuring they're safe and pesticide-free.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists often use Delphinium as a subject in floral paintings, drawings, and fabric designs due to its distinctive shape and color.
- Memorial Plantings: Delphinium is sometimes planted in memory gardens as a tribute to loved ones because of its majestic stature and serene appearance.
- Seasonal Festivities: In arrangements for events and celebrations, Delphinium adds a touch of elegance and sophistication with its towering spires of flowers.
- Wildlife Habitat: When planted in an appropriate outdoor setting, Delphinium can attract and support native species of butterflies, adding to biodiversity.
- Flower Arranging Classes: Delphinium is often used in floral design and flower arranging classes to teach students about creating vertical elements within arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Delphiniums, commonly known as larkspurs, are often associated with protection due to their enclosed shape, which can be perceived as a protective barrier.
- Openness to New Possibilities: The Delphinium 'Cassius', with its tall and structured growth, can symbolize reaching out to new opportunities and experiences.
- Good Fortune: In many cultures, larkspurs are believed to bring good fortune, especially when given as a gift.
- Ardent Attachment: These plants may symbolize a strong bond of love, as their vibrant blue petals are often related to deep emotion and attachment.
- Levity and Lightness: The light and airy quality of the Delphinium 'Cassius' can represent a sense of levity and joy in one's life.
- Health: Historically, larkspurs were used in folk medicine, which associates these plants with well-being and the protection of health.
- July Birth Flower: Larkspurs are the birth flower of July, symbolizing positivity and a light-hearted nature for those born in that month.
WaterLarkspur, commonly known as Delphinium, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the climate and the weather, this might mean watering once or twice a week. It is important to avoid overwatering, as Larkspur does not like to sit in wet soil. The method of watering should provide a deep soak allowing the moisture to reach the roots. Typically, applying about one to two gallons of water per plant for each watering session will ensure adequate hydration without waterlogging the soil.
LightLarkspur requires full sun to light shade, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day for best growth and flowering. A spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is ideal to protect the flowers from intense heat. Avoiding deep shade is crucial, as too little light can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.
TemperatureLarkspur thrives in cool temperatures and is best grown in conditions where the temperature ranges from 50 to 75°F. They can survive temperature dips down to around 40°F, but should be protected from frost. Summers with temperatures consistently above 90°F can be challenging for the plant, which may not fare as well in extreme heat.
PruningPruning Larkspur is essential for maintaining plant health and encouraging a second bloom. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote new growth and possibly a second flowering. Cut back stems to ground level at the end of the blooming season, which is typically in the fall, to keep the plant tidy and ready for winter. Annual pruning and deadheading also help prevent disease and encourage denser growth the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Cassius' thrives in well-draining, rich, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix would be equal parts loam, compost, and sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingLarkspur 'Cassius' does not typically require frequent repotting and is often treated as an annual or biennial. It is usually sown directly in the ground where it is to grow.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Cassius' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various humidity conditions provided it has good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, cool temperature, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Delphinium 'Cassius', commonly known as Larkspur, begins with seed germination, typically in early spring or after a period of stratification to break dormancy. The seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage—a rosette of basal leaves— preparing for vegetative growth. As the plant matures, it elongates and produces tall spikes with deep blue to purple flowers, blooming from late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees attracted to the showy flowers, the plant sets seed in elongated follicles. Once seeds mature, they are dispersed by wind or gravity, and the plant may die-back, if it is treated as an annual, or enter a period of dormancy if a perennial. In the following growing season, perennial individuals will initiate new growth from the crown or root system, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Delphinium 'Cassius', commonly known as Larkspur, is often propagated by seed. The best time for sowing seeds is in late winter to early spring. You can sow the seeds directly into well-draining soil in a sunny location, covering them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and germination should occur within 2 to 3 weeks. Seedlings can be thinned out or transplanted to give each plant enough space to grow. This method allows gardeners to produce a large number of plants, and while it may take a season for the plants to bloom fully, growing from seed can be a rewarding process.
