Delphinium Delphinium elatum 'Double Innocence' (New Millennium Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Delphinium elatum 'Double Innocence' from the New Millennium Series is a perennial plant known for its strikingly beautiful flowers. This cultivar features densely packed spires of double florets, which are a pure, glistening white, lending an air of elegance and purity to the garden. Each bloom is composed of layers of silky petals that create a full, substantial look. The white petals may sometimes display a hint of green in their centers early in the bloom period, before fully maturing to white. The foliage of this plant is comprised of deeply lobed, green leaves that form a bushy mound. The leaves provide an attractive, verdant backdrop for the tall spires of white blossoms that stand proudly above them. The plant's overall appearance is one of classic vertical drama, with an almost regal presence due to the stunning inflorescences. This variety is especially prized for its resistance to disease and strong stems which are less prone to flopping, thereby contributing to the plant's upright and tidy appearance. In bloom, the Delphinium 'Double Innocence' adds a distinct touch of charm and sophistication to any garden space, captivating onlookers with its pristine and luminous floral display.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Candle Larkspur, Candle Delphinium, Tall Larkspur, Double Innocence Delphinium.
Common names
Delphinium elatum 'Double Innocence'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur is highly toxic to humans if ingested. The toxicity stems from a variety of alkaloids present in all parts of the plant. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, tremors, stiffness, convulsions, and paralysis, which can potentially be fatal due to respiratory failure. Immediate medical attention is critical if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Larkspur is equally toxic to pets as it is to humans. The alkaloids can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, neuromuscular symptoms such as weakness and paralysis, and cardiovascular problems. Signs of poisoning might include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, stiffness, seizures, and potentially coma. Ingesting larkspur can be life-threatening, and urgent veterinary care is required.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Attractive Blooms: Delphinium elatum 'Double Innocence' is known for its stunning double flowers that add aesthetic appeal to any garden.
- Pollinator Friendly: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Vertical Interest: This plant can grow tall, providing vertical structure and contrast in garden designs.
- Long Blooming Period: They offer a lengthy flowering season, which ensures a colorful display for much of the summer.
- Cold Hardy: As part of the New Millennium Series, it's bred for improved cold hardiness, increasing its survivability in cooler climates.
- Color Variety: Provides a range of color options for gardeners, fitting various landscape color schemes.
- Cut Flowers: The stems are sturdy and the blooms last well when cut, making them ideal for bouquets and arrangements.
- Reblooming Potential: With proper deadheading, this plant may rebloom, extending its display in the garden.
- Architectural Presence: Their tall spires offer an architectural element to garden beds and borders.
- Background Planting: Makes for an excellent background plant in perennial borders due to its height and form.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Delphiniums can be used as a natural fabric dye, with the flowers imparting a range of hues from pale blue to deep indigo depending on the mordant used.
- The tall flower spikes of delphiniums can provide structural support for weaker-stemmed plants when planted closely in a mixed border.
- Delphinium petals are edible when properly prepared and can be used to decorate desserts or incorporate into salad mixes for an unusual pop of color.
- The toxic principles in delphiniums have been historically used as a pest deterrent to protect other plants from insect damage and grazing animals.
- In photography and art, the striking form and color of delphinium flowers make them a popular subject for botanical illustration and floral photography.
- During celebrations, the stems of delphinium flowers can be used to create natural confetti or as decorative elements in eco-friendly party favors.
- The sturdy stems of delphiniums can be dried and used in creating long-lasting wreaths and floral arrangements that endure beyond the growing season.
- Delphinium blossoms have been used in traditional crafting to make natural inks and stains for calligraphy and paper arts.
- When staged in a garden, delphiniums can serve as a natural backdrop or a living wall, creating privacy and a serene blue flowering screen.
- In storytelling and theater, the symbolism of delphinium flowers—often associated with cheerfulness and goodwill—can be integrated into set designs to convey thematic elements.
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: Delphiniums symbolize an openness to new experiences and opportunities, reflecting the 'New Millennium Series' to which 'Double Innocence' belongs.
- Protection: Historically, delphiniums were believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, giving them a protective symbolism.
- Fun and Lightness: The airy and playful appearance of the 'Double Innocence' delphinium with its double flowers suggests a sense of fun and light-heartedness.
- Celebration of Youth: The 'Innocence' in its name echoes the plant's symbolism of youth and the joy of being young—a common theme for pristine white flowers in the language of flowers.
- Arbitrary Success: Delphiniums often symbolize reaching for goals and achieving success through their tall and stately spikes that reach upwards.
WaterThe Larkspur should be watered regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. It's key to avoid waterlogging, so ensure proper drainage. Generally, watering once or twice a week with about 1 inch of water should suffice, but this can vary depending on climate conditions. During hot, dry spells, additional watering may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out. Reduce watering frequency in the winter months when the plant is dormant.
LightThe Larkspur thrives best in full sun exposure, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It will also grow in partial shade, but too little light can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms. The ideal spot would be an open area with direct sunlight while protected from strong winds, which can damage the tall flower spikes.
TemperatureLarkspurs prefer moderate temperatures and can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. They can generally withstand minimum winter temperatures down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Larkspurs may struggle in areas with extremely hot summers, especially where temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning Larkspur involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage additional blooming, and cutting back the stalks after the first flush of blooms has passed to promote a second flowering. Prune the plants back to the ground in late fall or early winter, after they have finished blooming and the foliage has died back. The best time for pruning to encourage a second bloom period is immediately after the first round of flowers fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDelphiniums thrive in a rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix consisting of equal parts loam, compost, and a handful of perlite or sand ensures proper drainage and nutrients. During the growing season, a high-phosphorus fertilizer can benefit flowering.
RepottingDelphiniums generally do not require frequent repotting as they are perennial plants. Repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container is usually sufficient.
Humidity & MistingDelphiniums prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive outdoors where the humidity is naturally regulated. If grown indoors, maintaining a humidity level of 40-60% is beneficial, avoiding excessively dry or overly damp conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, sheltered spot, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium elatum 'Double Innocence' begins its life cycle as a seed that, once sown in early spring or late winter under proper conditions, germinates and forms a small rosette of basal leaves. As temperatures warm, the plant enters a vigorous vegetative stage, growing tall and producing many deeply lobed, green leaves along its stem. In early to mid-summer, the Delphinium enters its reproductive stage, sending up a tall spike that will bear numerous double, pure white flowers which are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, these flowers will produce small, black seeds in a capsule that can be collected if seed propagation is desired. As temperatures cool and the growing season ends, the plant will enter a period of dormancy, during which the aerial parts die back and the plant survives as a crown and root system. With the return of warmer weather in the next season, the Delphinium 'Double Innocence' will emerge again from dormancy, completing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Delphinium elatum 'Double Innocence', commonly known as the Larkspur, is typically propagated by seed. The most popular method is to sow seeds directly into the garden after the threat of frost has passed in the spring. To ensure a good start, it is often recommended to chill the seeds for about a week at 35 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 to 5 degrees Celsius) before sowing to break any dormancy period. The seeds should be sown on the surface of a well-draining soil mix, as they need light to germinate, covered with a fine layer of soil equivalent to the seed's diameter. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes 2 to 3 weeks at 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be thinned or transplanted to give them enough space to grow.
