Larkspur Delphinium 'Aurora Deep Purple' (Aurora Series)
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Aurora Deep Purple', which is part of the Aurora Series, is a perennial plant known for its striking flowers and garden appeal. This variety features luxurious, deep purple blooms that are densely packed on sturdy spikes, creating an impressive floral display. The flowers are shaped like little trumpets with a small central bee, or center, that contrasts in color, often appearing in a lighter or white shade which accents the deep purple petals beautifully. The plant itself has a basal mound of deeply lobed, mid-green foliage which is both lush and attractive, setting the stage for the flower spikes that emerge in the growing season. The leaves are arranged in a way that they create a somewhat rounded outline at the base of the plant. Each individual flower is made up of a set of five petal-like sepals that together form a colorful, elongated bell shape characteristic of the genus. The flowers have a delicate appearance, but they are actually quite sturdy and hold up well during the blooming period. They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, who are drawn to the blooms for their nectar and vibrant color. The overall appearance of Delphinium 'Aurora Deep Purple' is a display of vertical interest with its tall spikes of flowers that rise above the foliage, providing an eye-catching element in the garden landscape. The striking color and stately form make it a popular choice among gardeners looking to add height and drama to their plantings without reference to the specific dimensions of height or width.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Aurora Deep Purple'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the Delphinium 'Aurora Deep Purple', is toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscular weakness. More severe cases can result in respiratory difficulty, heart rhythm abnormalities, and potentially death if not treated promptly.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets. If a pet ingests any part of the larkspur, it may experience similar poisoning symptoms as humans, such as salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscular tremors, and stiffness. Severe cases can cause respiratory distress, paralysis, and even death, especially if treatment is not promptly sought.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Deep Purple
Height
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Delphinium 'Aurora Deep Purple' produces vibrant deep purple flowers that can add a dramatic pop of color to any garden or landscape.
- Vertical Interest: With its tall spikes of flowers, it brings height and structure to garden beds, breaking the monotony of lower plants.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Cut Flower Use: The long stems and striking flowers make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in early summer, it can provide aesthetic interest during this season.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return year after year, offering long-term value for 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: Delphinium flowers, with their striking deep purple hues, are often used as a vibrant backdrop or subject in floral photography, enhancing the visual appeal of the composition.
- Ink Production: The petals of the Delphinium can be used to create a natural dye or ink for art projects, giving a unique and organic quality to artwork.
- Fabric Dye: Similarly, the intense color of the Delphinium petals can be used to dye fabrics, infusing them with unique shades of purple not easily achieved with synthetic dyes.
- Culinary Decoration: While not edible, the flowers can adorn plates and buffet tables for culinary events, adding an elegant touch (as long as guests know not to consume them).
- Bookmarks: When pressed and dried, Delphinium flowers can be laminated and used as decorative bookmarks.
- Garden Design Themes: Delphiniums can be used to create a 'moon garden', where all the plants bloom in light or luminescent colors that are visible at dusk or in the moonlight.
- Color Therapy: Due to their deep purple color, Delphinium flowers can be used in color therapy settings to create a space that is meant to evoke creativity and deep thought.
- Mood Setter: Their majestic appeal makes them suitable for creating a serene and majestic atmosphere in spaces such as spas or retreat centers.
- Educational Tools: Delphiniums can be used in botany and horticulture programs to teach students about plant growth, maintenance, and breeding practices.
- Frost Art: When early frosts come, the ice crystals forming on Delphinium flowers can be photographed to study the patterns of freezing and share the transient beauty of frosted flora.
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 are historically believed to ward off negative energies and dangers.
- Openness to New Possibilities - The unique and open shape of the flowers symbolizes embracing new opportunities and experiences.
- Lightness and Levity - The delicate structure and airiness of the flowers suggest a sense of carefree joy and lightness of being.
- Striving for Success - Their upward growth habit represents reaching for one's goals and aspirations.
- Arrogance and Self-Absorption - In Victorian times, delphiniums occasionally represented negative qualities such as outsize egos.
- Transience of Life - The fleeting beauty of these flowers can remind one of the temporary nature of existence.
WaterLarkspur, as a deep-rooted plant, requires regular watering to maintain consistently moist soil, particularly during dry spells. It’s recommended to provide a deep watering once a week, using approximately 1 gallon of water per plant. During hot, dry periods, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Ensure that the soil drains well as Larkspur does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
LightLarkspur thrives in full sunlight, which means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. An ideal spot is one where the plant receives morning light and is slightly protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Larkspur can tolerate partial shade, but too little light can lead to weaker stems and fewer blooms.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate a range between 40°F and 75°F. These plants are hardy in cooler climates and can survive short periods of frost. However, temperatures consistently above 75°F can lead to poor performance. The ideal growing conditions for Larkspur are in environments where daytime temperatures are around 65°F to 70°F, and nighttime temperatures do not dip below 40°F.
PruningLarkspur should be pruned to encourage strong stems, good air circulation, and to promote continuous blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will encourage new blooms. Cut back the plant by one-third after the initial flowering to stimulate a second blooming period. The best time for intensive pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Aurora Deep Purple' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix can be created using equal parts of loam, peat, and sand with some compost to enhance fertility.
RepottingLarkspur 'Aurora Deep Purple' generally does not require frequent repotting as they are perennial plants. It is best to repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or if the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Aurora Deep Purple' prefers moderate humidity levels. Avoiding excessively high humidity is important to prevent issues like powdery mildew or rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright spot; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose sunny location; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium 'Aurora Deep Purple', known commonly as Larkspur, begins life as a seed that germinates in cool, moist soil in spring. Once sprouted, seedlings establish a root system and grow into young plants with characteristic deeply lobed leaves. The plant enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a strong stem and foliage, gathering energy for blooming. Larkspur's flowering stage occurs in early to mid-summer, showcasing tall spikes of rich, deep purple flowers which attract pollinators and can be cut for bouquets. After pollination, the plant produces fruit in the form of follicles containing seeds that mature by late summer to early fall, completing the reproductive cycle. At the end of the growing season, Larkspur is a perennial, typically dying back to the ground in winter, with the root system surviving to regenerate the plant the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Delphinium 'Aurora Deep Purple', commonly known as Larkspur, is typically propagated through seed sowing. The best time to sow Larkspur seeds is in late winter to early spring, where they can be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds should be sown thinly in pots or trays of moist seed compost and then lightly covered with a fine layer of vermiculite. The ideal temperature for germination is around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), and the seeds usually germinate within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be pricked out individually and grown on in cooler conditions until they are ready to be hardened off and transplanted outside after all risk of frost has passed.
