Delphinium 'Janny Arrow' Delphinium (Belladonna Group) 'Janny Arrow'
ABOUT
'Janny Arow' is an upright herbaceous perennial with divided green leaves and short spikes of loosely-spaced single, bright blueflowers with white eyes borne above the foliage in summer
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Belladonna Delphinium, Belladonna Larkspur.
Common names
Delphinium (Belladonna Group) 'Janny Arrow'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Delphiniums are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, which can aid in the pollination of other plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking tall spires of blue flowers, 'Janny Arrow' adds height and drama to garden borders, creating an eye-catching display.
- Cut Flower: The blossoms make excellent cut flowers, lasting well in a vase and adding elegance to floral arrangements.
- Wildlife Habitat: The flowers can provide a source of nectar for pollinators, making them a supportive environment for wildlife.
- Colour Variety: Delphiniums come in a range of blues, purples, pinks, and whites, allowing for diverse and vibrant garden designs.
- Vertical Interest: Their tall growth habit adds vertical interest to gardens, breaking up the monotony of lower-growing plants.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Delphiniums are classic elements of a cottage garden, contributing to a charming and traditional garden aesthetic.
- Seasonal Interest: They bloom in early to mid-summer, offering seasonal interest when many spring flowers have faded.
- Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Delphinium can be used as a natural fabric dye, producing a range of blue hues when the flowers are processed correctly.
- Insect deterrent in gardens, as certain pests may be repelled by delphinium's strong smell and toxic properties.
- Symbolic use in bouquets and floral arrangements to convey a sense of fun and light-heartedness, due to its towering form and vibrant colors.
- As a photography subject or model in botanical art due to its striking appearance and vibrant colors.
- Use in fantasy costumes or décor for events such as Renaissance fairs or fairy-themed parties due to their whimsical appearance.
- Delphinium petals can be used in potpourri to add color and a light scent to a room.
- When dried, the stalks can be used for creating structural support in homemade wreaths or other craft projects.
- Employed as a living fence when planted in a dense row, providing both privacy and decoration.
- In large-scale landscape designs, delphiniums can be used to create a 'river' of blue, mimicking the appearance of water with their blooms.
- Used in educational settings like schools or botanical gardens to teach about plant growth habits and pollinator attraction.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Protection: Delphiniums are often associated with protection due to their historical use in warding off scorpions and other harmful creatures.
- Openness to New Possibilities: The lofty height of delphiniums symbolizes reaching towards the sky and embracing new opportunities.
- Arrogance or Boldness: In the Victorian language of flowers, delphiniums sometimes represent boldness, possibly because of their commanding presence.
- Good Fortune: Delphiniums are also considered to bring good fortune, making them a welcomed addition to celebratory bouquets.
- Cheerfulness and Lightness: The vibrant colors of the Delphinium 'Belladonna' signify a sense of joy, levity, and an overall light-hearted ambiance.
- Water
The Belladonna Delphinium should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering about once or twice a week, but frequency will vary depending on climate conditions, with less water needed during cool, damp weather and more during hot, dry spells. Provide water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. During the growing season, a Belladonna Delphinium may need up to 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and temperature variations.
- Light
Belladonna Delphinium prefers a location with full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade tends to be ideal, especially in hotter climates where intense afternoon sun can be too harsh for the plant.
- Temperature
Belladonna Delphinium thrives in cooler temperatures, with an ideal range between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Regularly exceeding these temperature ranges can lead to stress and poor plant performance.
- Pruning
Prune Belladonna Delphinium to remove spent flower spikes to encourage a second flush of blooms. Additionally, pruning is needed to maintain plant health by removing dead or damaged stems. The best time to prune Delphiniums is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Larkspur 'Janny Arrow' thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining with plenty of organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, and coarse sand. The ideal soil pH for this larkspur is neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. Ensure the soil mix allows for good aeration and drainage to prevent root rot.
- Repotting
Larkspur 'Janny Arrow' does not commonly require repotting as it is a perennial best grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years in spring to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Larkspur 'Janny Arrow' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to the ambient outdoor humidity in most growing regions. Excessive humidity can increase the risk of fungal diseases; therefore, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plants.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Larkspur 'Janny Arrow'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and provide support for tall Larkspur 'Janny Arrow' stems.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
- Life cycle
Delphinium (Belladonna Group) 'Cliveden Beauty', commonly known as Delphinium, begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in moist, well-drained soil and exposed to cool temperatures, will germinate. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic foliage specific to Delphinium species. Over time, the plant enters its vegetative state, growing taller and producing more leaves and stems. Once mature, it enters the flowering stage, typically in early summer, where it produces tall spires of densely packed flowers in shades often ranging from blue to violet, or sometimes white or pink. After pollination by insects, the plant will set seed, completing its reproductive cycle. During the fall or after the first frost, the plant will die back to the ground, with the root system surviving through winter if properly mulched, so it may regrow and repeat its life cycle in the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Delphinium, commonly known as Larkspur, particularly the 'Janny Arrow' variety from the Belladonna Group, can be propagated through the most popular method of sowing seeds. The ideal time to sow Delphinium seeds is in late winter to early spring when the temperature is consistently around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). You would begin by preparing a seed tray with well-draining soil, lightly covering the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Place the seed tray in a bright area but out of direct sunlight and expect germination in about 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings emerge and reach a sufficient size, usually having a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots before finally moving them to their permanent location in the garden.