Larkspur Delphinium 'Holly Cookland Wilkins'
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Holly Cookland Wilkins', commonly known as the larkspur, is a striking garden plant that is treasured for its beautiful and vibrant blooms. This plant features a series of tall flower spikes that are densely packed with ruffled, semi-double flowers. The flowers themselves boast a vivid, deep blue-purple hue that is both eye-catching and regal. They are adorned with a contrasting white bee, or central area, adding to the plant's stunning visual appeal. The foliage of the larkspur is lush and deeply lobed with a rich green color, creating an attractive backdrop to the showy flower spires. Each petal on the larkspur flower is delicately textured, contributing to the overall elegance and charm of the plant. Blooming typically occurs in the early to mid-summer, transforming any garden space into a spectacular display of color and beauty. The larkspur's appealing look makes it not only a favorite among gardeners but also a popular choice for cut flower arrangements, where its long-lasting and dramatic presence can be fully appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Holly Cookland Wilkins'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur is highly toxic to humans if ingested. Eating parts of this plant can lead to poisoning with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and severe muscular spasms. Large doses may result in respiratory paralysis, bradycardia (slow heart rate), cardiac arrhythmias, and can be fatal. Immediate medical attention is necessary if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Larkspur is equally poisonous to pets, including dogs and cats. If ingested, pets may exhibit symptoms like drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, respiratory distress, and potentially death. Urgent veterinary care is critical if a pet consumes any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Delphiniums are known for their striking spires of colorful flowers that add vertical interest to garden beds and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: They attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential for pollination and a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Cut Flowers: Delphinium flowers are long-lasting when cut and arranged in vases, making them a popular choice for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Seasonal Interest: They typically bloom in early summer and can rebloom in late summer or early fall if deadheaded, offering extended visual interest.
- Versatility: Delphiniums can be used in a variety of garden settings, such as in cottage gardens, borders, and even in containers for those with limited space.
- Color Variety: With a range of colors from deep blues to soft lavenders, pinks, and whites, delphiniums can fit into virtually any garden color scheme.
- Height Variation: Delphiniums come in different heights, providing options for both the back of the flower border and for smaller spaces without compromising on beauty.
- Garden Architecture: Their tall, structural form can be used to create a backdrop for other plants or to provide a vertical accent in the garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Delphinium plant's strong stems can be used in basket weaving to create structured and decorative garden baskets.
- Dye can be extracted from the Delphinium flowers to produce a rich blue hue that is often used in textile art for fabric coloring.
- When dried, the flowers of the Delphinium can be used as components in potpourri to provide a natural and delicate fragrance to rooms.
- Pressed Delphinium flowers can be incorporated into paper making for decorative handcrafted paper often used in invitations and stationery.
- Delphinium petals can be used to create natural confetti, which is biodegradable and a popular eco-friendly option for celebrations.
- The plants can be utilized as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to their toxicity; they can deter pests from eating other less toxic plants in the vicinity.
- Delphinium flowers can be used in florists’ displays for educational purposes, to teach about the variety of shapes and colors in the floral world.
- Due to their tall and striking appearance, Delphiniums can serve an architectural purpose in garden design, adding height and structure to flower beds.
- The hollow stems of the Delphinium can be used creatively as tiny water holders for delicate single stem flowers in intricate floral arrangements.
- In art, the image of Delphinium flowers can serve as a motif or inspiration for painters and illustrators who are captivated by their vivid color and form.
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, including the 'Holly Cookland Wilkins' variety, symbolize an invitation to take on life's opportunities and embrace adventure.
- Protection: Delphiniums are often associated with protection, signifying a defense against dangers and threats.
- Arrogance: In some traditions, the delphinium can also represent arrogance or boldness, due to its towering presence and bold colors.
- Heavenly: The delphinium's name comes from the Greek word "delphis," meaning dolphin, which was linked to the divine, thus symbolizing a heavenly or celestial quality.
- Goodwill: The delphinium, with its lush blooms, is a sign of goodwill and encouragement to others.
- Youth and renewal: Its vigorous growth and fresh appearance symbolize youthfulness and the idea of starting anew.
WaterThe Delphinium, commonly known as Larkspur, should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is saturated but not waterlogged. During periods of high heat or drought, it may require additional watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Aim to provide about one to one and a half gallons of water per plant during each watering session. It's essential to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease. When rainfall is plentiful, reduce supplementary watering accordingly.
LightLarkspurs thrive in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. The best spot for them is an area where they are exposed to the morning sun and protected from harsh afternoon heat if possible. They can manage with partial shade, but too little light can lead to weak stems and sparse blooms.
TemperatureLarkspurs perform well in cooler climates and prefer an ideal temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand short periods of colder spells down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit without significant stress. To encourage robust growth, it is crucial to position Larkspur where it is guarded from extreme temperatures, especially hot afternoon sun.
PruningPruning Larkspurs is essential to maintain their shape, encourage additional flowering, and prevent disease spread. Immediately after the first flowering, cut back the spent flower stalks to just above a set of leaves to encourage a second bloom. Do a more extensive cutback in late summer or early fall after the second flowering, leaving a few inches of stem to support new growth in the spring. The best time for significant pruning is after the plant has finished its main flush of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor larkspur, a well-draining soil mix with compost, loam, and a bit of sand is ideal, and ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 for best growth.
RepottingLarkspurs are typically not repotted as they are perennial plants best grown directly in the garden and do not fare well when frequently transplanted.
Humidity & MistingLarkspurs prefer moderate humidity levels and do not require a high humidity environment to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good air circulation for indoor larkspur growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, protect from strong winds, offer rich soil for outdoor larkspurs.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium 'Holly Cookland Wilkins', commonly known as Larkspur, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in early spring; the seeds require a period of cold before they can germinate. The seedlings rapidly grow and develop into rosettes as they pass through the vegetative stage. As the plant matures, it starts the reproductive stage by sending up tall spikes that bear numerous flowers, usually in the late spring or early summer. These flowers are often in various shades of blue, purple, or white, which attract pollinators for fertilization. After pollination, the flowers set seed that matures by late summer or early fall, at which point the plant begins to senesce, with foliage dying back if the plant is a perennial variety or the plant itself dying if it is an annual. Over winter, for perennial varieties, the plant remains dormant underground before the cycle starts anew with the next warm season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The common name for Delphinium 'Holly Cookland Wilkins' is Delphinium. When propagating Delphinium, the most popular method is by seed. Sow Delphinium seeds in late winter to early spring, using a seed starting mix or a well-draining soil medium, pressing the seeds into the soil without covering them as they need light to germinate. The soil temperature should ideally be around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and after the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors into a sunny spot with rich, well-draining soil.
