White Larkspur Delphinium 'Guardian White' (Guardian Series)
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Guardian White', known more commonly as larkspur, is a striking perennial that boasts tall, sturdy spikes densely packed with semi-double, pure white flowers. Each bloom presents a slightly ruffled appearance, giving the flower spike a plush, full look. The flower's center, or "bee," is often a lighter or contrasting hue, adding depth to the display. Contrasting with the snow-white blossoms are the larkspur's dark green leaves, which are deeply cut and divided, creating a feathery foliage that spreads around the base of the floral spires. The overall appearance of the Delphinium 'Guardian White' exudes a classic cottage garden charm, with its lush blooms and upright habit being particularly attractive to gardeners aiming for an elegant or fairytale aesthetic in their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
White Delphinium, White Larkspur
Common names
Delphinium 'Guardian White' (Guardian Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including Delphinium 'Guardian White', is highly toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, such as delphinine, which can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, and seizures. In severe cases, consumption can lead to respiratory failure and death.
To pets
Larkspur is equally toxic to pets as it is to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe symptoms in animals, including drooling, bloat, frequent urination, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, and convulsions. Cardiac failure and death can occur if a significant amount is consumed. Immediate veterinary care is critical if a pet is suspected of ingesting larkspur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Delphinium Guardian White provides stunning white flower spikes that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Vertical Interest: Its tall, erect growth habit adds vertical interest to garden beds and borders.
- Seasonal Color: With its vibrant white blossoms, it adds a pop of color to the garden during its blooming season.
- Easy to Grow: Guardian White is part of a series known for improved garden performance and can be easier to grow than some other Delphinium varieties.
- Cut Flowers: The stems are long and sturdy, making them ideal for cut flower arrangements.
- Multipurpose Planting: Suitable for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and as a backdrop for lower-growing plants.
- Enhances Garden Design: Can be used to create a 'white garden' or moon garden, where it will glow in the dusk light.
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 Delphinium 'Guardian White' can be used as a stunning backdrop or feature in garden photography due to its height and striking white blooms.
- Dye Source: The blossoms of the Delphinium can sometimes be used to create a light dye for fabrics, though it's not a common practice.
- Teaching Tool: Horticultural schools may use the plant to teach students about plant breeding, as the Guardian series is a result of careful hybridization.
- Garden Height Contrast: In landscape design, the height of the Delphinium 'Guardian White' can be used to create visual contrast in flower beds and borders.
- Mood Enhancement: The presence of white Delphiniums in a garden can provide a sense of serenity and peace, psychologically uplifting one’s mood.
- Event Decoration: The tall and elegant stems of these flowers make them ideal for decorating venues for events like weddings and garden parties.
- Cultural Symbolism: Delphinium 'Guardian White' can be used in cultural or religious rituals where white flowers symbolize certain virtues or remembrances.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may be inspired by the beauty of Delphinium 'Guardian White' and include them in paintings, drawings, or other forms of art.
- Victorian Language of Flowers: In the Victorian era, the Delphinium symbolized big-heartedness, and they can be used to convey this sentiment in historical reenactments or themed events.
- Frost Tolerance Study: The Guardian series, known for being relatively hardy, might serve in studies examining plant resilience to cooler temperatures.
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: The 'Guardian' in its name implies a protective quality, often associated with guarding an individual or space against harm.
- Celebrating New Life: Delphiniums are commonly associated with new life and birth due to their lush, rejuvenating appearance.
- Openness to New Opportunities: Their towering spikes can symbolize reaching out to new opportunities and expanding one's horizons.
- Purity and Innocence: The white variety of delphiniums, such as the Guardian White Delphinium, embodies purity and innocence.
- Fun and Levity: Delphiniums also symbolize fun and a light-hearted attitude because of their playful and colorful blooms.
WaterLarkspur 'Guardian White' needs consistent moisture, so water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. An average watering regimen would be about 1 inch of water per week, but this can vary based on temperature and soil conditions. Ensure that the soil is well-draining as larkspur does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. During the peak of summer, especially in hotter regions, it might be necessary to water a couple of times per week. Decrease watering during the fall and winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightLarkspur 'Guardian White' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Aim for a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant can tolerate some shade, particularly in the afternoon when the sun is at its hottest. Avoid deep shade, as this will result in fewer blooms and can cause the plant to become leggy.
TemperatureLarkspur 'Guardian White' performs best in cooler climates with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to 40°F but may not survive extreme heat above 85°F for prolonged periods. Ideal growing temperatures are cooler nights and warm, not hot, daytime temperatures.
PruningLarkspur 'Guardian White' should be pruned to promote bushy growth, remove spent flowers, and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flower spikes, can be done throughout the summer. Cutting back the plant after the first flush of flowers can result in a neater appearance and a second, though less abundant, bloom period. Pruning is typically done in late summer or fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for 'Guardian White' Larkspur consists of well-draining, fertile loam with the addition of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. The pH should ideally be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.8 to 7.5. Ensure that the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged to promote healthy growth.
Repotting'Guardian White' Larkspur typically does not need repotting as it is often grown as an annual or biennial. If grown as a perennial, dividing the plant every 3-4 years in the spring or fall to rejuvenate and propagate is recommended instead of repotting.
Humidity & Misting'Guardian White' Larkspur thrives best in average garden humidity conditions. While it tolerates a range of humidity levels, extremely high humidity should be avoided to prevent disease. Good air circulation around the plant helps maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and proper soil mix for Larkspur indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and protect from strong winds for Larkspur.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium 'Guardian White' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, germinates in the cool temperatures of late winter to early spring. As a young seedling, it requires ample light and steady moisture to establish a robust root system and develop a rosette of basal leaves. Progressing into vegetative growth, the plant enters a rapid phase of stem and leaf expansion, particularly in spring to early summer, preparing for the flowering stage. Flowering occurs in early to mid-summer, producing tall spikes of white blooms that attract pollinators and can last for several weeks if deadheaded promptly. After flowering, if seeds are not collected, they can self-sow, ensuring the next generation of plants; otherwise, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, especially in regions with cold winters. With proper care, including dividing every 2-3 years to maintain vigor, the Delphinium 'Guardian White' can re-emerge from dormancy in spring, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Delphinium 'Guardian White', commonly known as Larkspur, is best propagated through seed sowing. The ideal time to sow Larkspur seeds is in late winter to early spring, when the danger of frost has passed. Sowing the seeds directly into the garden at a depth of about 1/8 inch (approximately 3 mm) is recommended. Ensure they are spaced well, roughly 12 inches (30 cm) apart, to accommodate for future growth. After sowing, keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Thinning the seedlings may be necessary to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy development. Larkspur also benefits from a sunny location with well-draining soil to thrive once established.
