Larkspur Delphinium 'Cinderella'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Cinderella' is an enchanting perennial that features tall spikes of densely packed flowers. These blooms are a soft, ethereal blue and boast a delicate appearance, like that of fairy tale royalty. The individual flowers are comprised of multiple petals that radiate around a central eye, often creating a somewhat cupped shape, contributing to the plant's overall charm. The blooms are known to attract a host of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding a bustling vibrancy to its presence. The foliage of Delphinium 'Cinderella' consists of deeply lobed leaves that are a rich, lush green in color, forming a striking contrast against the pale blue of its blooms. The leaves are intricately divided, adding a fine texture to the plant's base. The overall effect is one of a classic cottage-garden staple, invoking a sense of timeless elegance and garden tradition.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Dwarf Delphinium.
Common names
Delphinium 'Cinderella'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the Delphinium 'Cinderella', is toxic to humans if ingested. It can cause neuromuscular and respiratory paralysis, which can potentially be fatal. Symptoms of poisoning typically include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and tremors. Severe cases can result in respiratory difficulty and cardiac issues.
To pets
Larkspur is also highly toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to similar symptoms as in humans, such as neuromuscular paralysis, gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and seizures. It can be fatal if enough of the plant is consumed and prompt veterinary treatment is essential for the wellbeing of the pet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3 feet 4 inches (1.02 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Delphinium 'Cinderella' adds a striking vertical element to gardens with its tall spikes of vibrant blue flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination of gardens.
- Cottage Garden Style: Perfect for achieving a traditional cottage garden look, contributing to its classic and charming feel.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, adding color and elegance to floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides interest in the garden from late spring to early summer, and can rebloom in fall if properly cared for.
- Color Variety: Available in a range of blues and purples, allowing gardeners to choose hues that best fit their landscape design.
- Cold Hardy: Delphinium 'Cinderella' is relatively cold hardy, which makes it suitable for cooler climates.
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's tall and striking flowers make it a popular choice for photographers seeking a natural and vibrant backdrop.
- Textile Dye: Historically, the intense blue color of Delphinium flowers has been used to create natural dyes for fabrics.
- Ceremonial Decor: Due to its impressive height and color, this plant is often used in ceremonies for decorating venues or creating floral arches.
- Educational Tool: Delphinium is used in horticulture programs to teach about plant growth, hybridization, and care requirements.
- Garden Borders: With its upright growth habit, Delphinium is commonly planted as a backdrop for garden borders.
- Icing Decor: The edible petals of some Delphinium varieties can be crystallized to decorate cakes and desserts.
- Symbolism in Art: The plant is used in art to symbolize big-heartedness, fun, lightness, and levity.
- Color Inspiration: Delphiniums provide a unique color spectrum that inspires artists and interior designers in their work.
- Butterfly and Bee Garden: Due to its nectar-rich flowers, the plant is ideal for attracting butterflies and bees for pollinator gardens.
- Handwriting Ink: Similar to its use in dyes, the flowers can be used to make natural inks for traditional calligraphy and writing.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Larkspur is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Larkspur is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Arrogance: Historically, some species of delphinium were associated with arrogance, possibly due to their tall, striking posture.
- Big-heartedness: Delphiniums can represent a feeling of lightness or levity, which may be associated with generosity or an open heart.
- Fun: The playful look and vibrant colors of the delphinium can symbolize cheerfulness and fun.
- Health: In the language of flowers, delphiniums are often associated with good health, possibly relating to their traditional use in Native American medicine.
- Protection: Some cultures used delphiniums to ward off dangers, evil spirits, or negative energies, thus symbolizing protection.
- Openness to new experiences: The distinctive shape and growth habit of delphiniums can represent embracing novelty and adventure.
- New opportunities: The blooming of delphiniums might signify the beginning of a new opportunity or a fresh start in life.
- Heavenly: Due to their towering height and rich blue color, delphiniums are sometimes associated with the divine or celestial.
WaterLarkspur, which includes Delphinium 'Cinderella', should be watered deeply and thoroughly whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This may equate to watering once or twice weekly, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. It's imperative to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plants. Each plant typically needs about 1 gallon of water at each watering, but this can vary with local conditions. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil consistently moist.
LightLarkspur thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. It should be positioned in a spot where it can receive ample morning sunlight and some late afternoon shade in regions with intensely hot summers. However, too much shade can lead to weak growth and a reduced number of blooms.
TemperatureLarkspur performs best in temperate conditions, with an ideal temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle maximum temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, cooler nighttime temperatures are beneficial for the plant's growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Larkspur involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and cutting back the plant after the first flush of flowers to promote a second bloom in the fall. Prune the plant once in mid-summer, after the initial flowering period. Additionally, cutting down the flower stalks to the ground level in late fall or early winter will help maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding if not desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Larkspur (Delphinium 'Cinderella') should be well-draining with organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 to ensure healthy growth.
RepottingLarkspurs typically do not need frequent repotting as they are perennial plants. Repotting may be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingLarkspurs prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to normal outdoor conditions. A range of 40-60% humidity is generally safe for Delphinium 'Cinderella'.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Larkspur in bright, indirect light with cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant Larkspur in full sun, sheltered from strong wind.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Delphinium 'Cinderella', commonly known as the Larkspur, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. Following germination, the plant enters its vegetative stage, where it focuses on growing leaves and stems, eventually forming a bushy plant. After this period of growth, the Larkspur enters the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, developing tall spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. Once pollinated, the Larkspur produces seeds in small pods that can be dispersed by wind or animals, or collected for propagation. As an herbaceous perennial, after flowering the plant's aerial parts die back to the ground in autumn, with the root system surviving underground during the winter dormancy period. In the following spring, the Larkspur regrows from the existing rootstock, completing the annual cycle of growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Delphinium 'Cinderella', commonly known as Larkspur, is a popular perennial plant that can be propagated most effectively through seed germination. The best time to sow Larkspur seeds is in spring or early summer when the soil temperature has reached about 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 16 degrees Celsius). To propagate by seeds, you should first prepare a seedbed by loosening the soil and ensuring it is free of weeds. Then, sow the seeds lightly on the surface of the soil and press them in gently, as Larkspur seeds require light for germination. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and ensure the area receives partial to full sunlight. The seeds typically germinate in two to three weeks. Thin the seedlings to prevent overcrowding once they have a couple of sets of true leaves.
