Larkspur Delphinium 'Guardian Blue' (Guardian Series)
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Guardian Blue', often known simply as the Larkspur, is a striking perennial plant that is highly admired for its vibrant floral displays. The most distinctive feature of this plant is its magnificent spikes of deep blue flowers, which form dense, towering racemes. Each individual bloom is intricately shaped with a prominent central bee, or 'eye,' which adds depth and character to the overall floral array. The blooms exhibit a rich, intense blue hue that could be likened to the color of a clear summer sky, captivating the gaze of garden admirers. The petals have a subtle, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully against the backdrop of the foliage. The leaves of the Larkspur are deeply lobed and present a lush green color, creating a fine-textured appearance as they extend outwards from the base of the plant. As the plant matures, its flower spikes become increasingly showy, often creating a dramatic visual statement within a garden setting. This makes the Guardian Blue an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and a burst of cool-toned color in perennial borders or as a background plant that draws the eye upward. Emanating an aire of classic cottage charm, the Larkspur easily integrates into traditional garden designs, as well as more modern landscapes, due to its bold coloration and stately form. The vivid blue flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding a dynamic element to its surroundings as it supports local wildlife. Although the plant’s physical dimensions are excluded from this description, the Guardian Blue's presence is no less notable for its capacity to create a focal point in the garden.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Candle Larkspur, Candle Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium elatum 'Guardian Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including Delphinium 'Guardian Blue', is toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to a variety of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. More severe poisoning can result in muscle weakness, paralysis, and cardiac issues. If ingested, it can potentially be fatal, and immediate medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets. If a pet consumes any part of a larkspur plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, digestive upset, abdominal pain, weakness, and potentially seizures. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac failure and death. It is essential to seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Delphinium Guardian Blue is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which help in pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking deep blue flowers, this plant makes a dramatic visual impact in any garden, contributing to the overall beauty and design.
- Vertical Interest: The tall spikes of the Delphinium Guardian Blue can add height and structure to garden beds or borders, providing a backdrop for shorter plants.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Delphiniums are quintessential cottage garden plants that bring a classic and romantic feel to any landscape.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Delphinium Guardian Blue are excellent for cutting and creating vibrant and elegant floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Color: This plant offers a burst of color in the summer months when many other plants may not be blooming as profusely.
- Easy to Grow: The Guardian series, including Guardian Blue, has been bred for improved vigor and is generally easy to grow, following the right care instructions.
- Rewarding for Gardeners: Growing Delphinium Guardian Blue can be particularly rewarding for gardeners due to its showy blooms and the relatively straightforward care it requires.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Delphinium 'Guardian Blue' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a vibrant blue hue derived from its flowers.
- Frost Indicator: The delicate blooms of the Delphinium can serve as a natural indicator of early frosts, as they are sensitive to cold temperatures and may show signs of damage before other plants.
- Photography Prop: The tall and striking flowers of the Delphinium make it an excellent backdrop or focal point for garden photography and artistic compositions.
- Garden Design: Delphinium 'Guardian Blue' can be used to add vertical accents in landscape design, providing height and structure to a flower bed.
- Memento or Gift: Dried Delphinium flowers can be preserved and used in making sentimental gifts such as bookmarks or framed botanical art.
- Nature-Inspired Crafts: The flowers and seed pods can be used in crafting, such as making flower crowns, wreaths, or other decorative items.
- Educational Use: Delphinium plants can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, gardening, or pollinators, as they attract bees and butterflies.
- Lunar Gardening: Some gardeners who practice lunar gardening may use the planting of Delphinium 'Guardian Blue' to coincide with specific moon phases intended to optimize plant growth.
- Color Themed Gardens: Delphiniums are ideal for creating a specific color theme in a garden, such as a 'cool colors' garden with blues, purples, and greens.
- Companion Planting: Delphiniums can be planted alongside other plants to create beneficial interactions; for instance, they can provide shade to lower-growing plants that require indirect light.
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 'Guardian Blue', commonly known as Larkspur, often symbolizes an openness to new experiences and opportunities, due to its tall and upward-reaching spikes that suggest a sense of reaching out towards the unknown.
- Protection: As part of the Guardian Series, this plant is imbued with the symbolism of protection, offering a shield of safety and a sense of guardianship over one's garden and life.
- Fun and lightness: Larkspur is also associated with a sense of fun, lightness, and levity, possibly connected to its airy and whimsical flower spikes that sway gently in the breeze.
- Ardent attachment: Traditionally, Larkspur represents an ardent attachment or a strong bond of love, making it a common choice in bouquets or gardens that celebrate close relationships and deep connections.
- July birth flower: As the birth flower for the month of July, Larkspur conveys a sense of celebration and joy that is associated with those born in the mid-summer month.
WaterLarkspur, especially the 'Guardian Blue', requires consistent moisture, so water them deeply once a week with about 1 inch of water, depending on weather conditions. Be sure to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, aiming water at the base of the plant instead. In hotter, drier periods, increase watering frequency to maintain evenly moist soil, as Larkspur does not tolerate drought well. During rainy spells, reduce watering to prevent over-saturation of the soil. It's necessary to provide around 1.5 gallons of water every week, adjusting as necessary for climate variations.
LightLarkspur thrives in full sunlight, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily to perform best. Place them in a spot where they receive morning light and are protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun. An eastern or southern exposure is often ideal, providing ample light without causing stress during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers cooler temperatures and will flourish in an environment where the temperature remains consistently between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth may be stunted if it drops lower. On the other end of the spectrum, Larkspur can endure fleeting spikes up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged heat can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPrune Larkspur in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and encourage new growth. After the first flush of flowers fade, cut back the flower stalks by one-third to promote a second bloom. Deadheading spent flowers regularly will help to maintain the plant's appearance and vigor. The best time for major pruning is in late winter before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur thrives in rich, well drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5; mix compost, loam, and a little sand.
RepottingLarkspurs are not commonly repotted as they are perennials; plant young plants every spring.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of drier conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, cool temps, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Larkspur (Delphinium 'Guardian Blue') begins with seed germination, which requires a cold period to break dormancy, followed by warmer temperatures for optimal growth. Once germinated, seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with a basal clump of foliage. As the plant matures, tall flower spikes with deep blue blooms arise, typically in late spring to early summer, depending on the climate. After flowering, pollination by bees and other insects can result in seed formation if care is not taken to deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. Following seed set, the plant gradually enters senescence as energy reserves are depleted, especially if it is a perennial variety in the Guardian Series, it may die back to the ground in winter. With proper care and in suitable climates, the Larkspur may return from its rootstock the following spring, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Delphinium 'Guardian Blue', commonly known as Larkspur, is most successfully propagated by seed. The most popular method involves sowing the seeds directly in the garden during spring or fall. Best results are often achieved when seeds are sown in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, into well-draining soil and in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Seeds should be spaced evenly and covered lightly with soil, about an eighth of an inch deep (3 mm). Consistent moisture is crucial, so the soil should remain damp but not waterlogged until germination, which typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. To aid germination, some gardeners recommend a period of cold stratification before planting, which means placing the seed packet in a refrigerator for about 2 weeks before sowing. Once seedlings develop true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be thinned or transplanted to their final positions in the garden, ensuring they are spaced appropriately to accommodate their mature size.
