Larkspur Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin', commonly known as Larkspur, is a strikingly beautiful perennial that exhibits tall spikes densely packed with semi-double flowers. The blossoms display a captivating shade of blue that can be described as intense and vivid, providing a bold splash of color in the garden. Each individual flower is intricately formed with a central bee, or eye, that is typically a contrasting color, often white or black, adding depth and complexity to the flower's appearance. The foliage of the Larkspur consists of deeply lobed, green leaves that offer a delicate, feathery backdrop to the showy blooms. The plant's overall form is upright and stately, creating an elegant silhouette. The flowers bloom profusely, especially when the old flowers are removed to encourage a second flush of blooms later in the season. With its striking flowers and graceful foliage, Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin' is often used as a backdrop in borders or as an architectural feature in the landscape. Care must be taken in handling the plant as all parts of the Larkspur are toxic if ingested.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Dolphin Flower
Common names
Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin', is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain dangerous alkaloids such as delphinine, which can cause serious health issues. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, seizures, respiratory difficulties, and can potentially lead to death if enough is consumed and treatment is not received promptly.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets. The same alkaloids that affect humans can cause similar symptoms in animals, such as nausea, drooling, abdominal pain, significant muscular weakness, possible paralysis, and cardiac distress. If a pet ingests any part of the larkspur plant, immediate veterinary attention is required due to the potential severity of the poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators - Delphiniums are known for their ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which help in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal - With their tall spikes of colorful blooms, larkspur adds vertical interest and a pop of color to garden landscapes.
- Cottage Garden Classic - Larkspur is often used in cottage garden designs due to its traditional look and ability to blend well with other perennial flowers.
- Seasonal Interest - The plant provides blooms typically in early summer, which can help bridge the gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials.
- Cut Flowers - Larkspur is an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements with their long-lasting blooms and appealing texture.
- Wildlife Habitat - The flowers of the Delphinium provide nectar sources for a variety of insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Variety of Colors - Available in a wide range of colors, which allows gardeners to create diverse and striking color schemes.
- Vertical Layering - The height of larkspur provides a useful tool for gardeners to create layers and depth in planting designs.
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: Delphiniums, with their vibrant colors and tall spires, are popular in garden photography, offering a picturesque backdrop or focal point.
- Artistic Inspiration: The striking appearance of Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin' can inspire artists and be featured in botanical illustrations and paintings.
- Educational Tool: Used in schools or botanical gardens, Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin' can help teach botany and the life cycle of flowering plants.
- Dye Production: The petals of some Delphinium species can be used to create blue or purple natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Culinary Garnish: While not all Delphiniums are edible, some are used as ornamental, non-toxic garnishes to decorate plates and platters.
- Theatrical Scenery: The tall and showy flower stalks of Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin' may be used as part of stage decor in theatrical productions to create a garden scene.
- Garden Competition: Delphiniums are often featured in garden shows and competitions for their impressive height and stunning floral displays.
- Ecosystem Support: Delphiniums can provide habitats for beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination.
- Symbolic Use: Due to their beauty and stature, Delphiniums can symbolize grandeur or success and are sometimes used in ceremonies or events to convey this message.
- Winter Interest: When left uncut, the seed pods and dried stalks of Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin' can add texture and interest to winter gardens.
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 is often associated with the desire to expand one's boundaries and try new things, reflecting a person's aspiration for growth and discovery.
- Protection: In some traditions, Delphiniums are believed to ward off negative energies and spirits, offering a sense of safeguarding from harm.
- Ardent Attachment: Representing strong bonds of love, these flowers convey a deep and passionate attachment to someone or something.
- Healing: With its roots in ancient lore, the Delphinium is sometimes thought to have healing properties and is used to symbolize health and well-being.
- Lightness and Levity: The airy nature of Delphinium blooms suggests a sense of carefree joy and a reminder not to take life too seriously.
- Big-heartedness: The impressive stature of the Delphinium signifies a generosity of spirit, large-heartedness, and a feeling of giving abundantly.
WaterLarkspur, the common name of Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin', requires consistent watering to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly during the growing season. It's ideal to water this plant once a week with about one to one and a half gallons per plant, using slow, deep watering methods to encourage root growth. During periods of extreme heat or drought, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water. Reduce watering in the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant.
LightLarkspur thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. A location that provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. However, in very hot climates, larkspurs will benefit from afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureLarkspurs prefer moderate temperatures and can generally handle temperatures ranging from a low of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for larkspur is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to promote the best growth and flowering.
PruningPruning larkspur helps promote vigorous growth and improves air circulation around the plant. After the first flush of blooms, cut back the flower stalks to just above a set of leaves or a new growth point to encourage a secondary bloom. Prune larkspurs back to the ground in late fall or early winter after the plant has gone dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur, commonly known as Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin', thrives in a well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. The ideal soil pH for Larkspur is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite can create an optimal growing environment for this plant.
RepottingLarkspur (Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin') doesn't typically require frequent repotting as it is usually grown as an annual or biennial. However, if grown as a perennial, repotting every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container is best to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur (Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin') prefers moderate humidity levels. It can thrive in the ambient outdoor humidity in most temperate regions, but avoid overly wet or extremely dry conditions to ensure optimal growth and flower development.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, cool temps, and moist soil.
Outdoor
Choose sunny site, enrich soil, provide support.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin', commonly known as "larkspur," begins its life cycle as a seed, sown in late winter or early spring. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and, depending on the climate, may require protection from frosts. The plant then develops a rosette of basal leaves in its vegetative stage, followed by the formation of tall flowering stalks adorned with showy blooms in a wide range of colors, typically during late spring to early summer. After pollination by bees and other insects, larkspur produces fruit containing seeds, which mature by late summer or fall. The plant then enters a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it may die back to the ground while the root system remains alive underground. With the return of favorable conditions in the following spring, larkspur will re-emerge, beginning the cycle anew if it is a perennial variety or will need to be reseeded if it is grown as an annual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Delphinium 'Franjo Sahin', commonly known as Larkspur, is often propagated through seed sowing. The most favorable time for sowing seeds is early spring, when the soil is cool but the risk of frost has passed. To propagate Larkspur from seeds, gardeners usually sow them directly into the garden where they wish the plants to grow. The seeds should be planted at a shallow depth, approximately 1/8 inch (about 3mm) deep, to allow for adequate light exposure, which aids in germination. After sowing, the seeds require consistent moisture to germinate, which typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings develop true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out to prevent overcrowding.
