Larkspur Delphinium 'Kennington Classic'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Kennington Classic' is a striking plant known for its vibrant and showy flowers. The blooms are typically a rich, deep blue-purple hue that stands out elegantly in a garden setting. These flowers are densely packed along tall, spike-like structures called racemes, which give the plant a statuesque appearance. Each individual flower is shaped like a small cup or a dolphin's nose, which is where the common name delphinium derives from. The foliage of Delphinium 'Kennington Classic' is also quite attractive. The leaves are a medium green color and have a deeply lobed or divided texture, which adds a layer of visual interest and contrast to the stunning blooms. The plant emanates an overall lush and robust aura, creating a dramatic presence in mixed borders or as stand-alone specimens. The vivid blue-purple flowers often attract pollinators, adding to the plant's garden value and its role in supporting local ecosystems.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Kennington Classic'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Delphiniums are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, enhancing pollination of surrounding plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vivid blooms, the Delphinium adds color and vertical interest to garden beds, borders, and landscapes.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers have long stems, making them ideal for cutting and creating bouquets or indoor floral arrangements.
- Companion Planting: Delphiniums can be planted alongside other perennials to create a diverse and supportive ecosystem for various plant species.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Delphiniums are quintessential cottage garden plants, adding a touch of traditional charm and grace to any garden setting.
- Seasonal Interest: They have a specific blooming season, usually in early summer, providing a burst of color when many other plants are not at their peak.
- Versatility: These plants can be used in a variety of garden designs, from formal to informal, and in mixed perennial beds.
- Wildlife Habitat: Delphiniums can provide shelter and food for wildlife, particularly for caterpillars of certain butterflies and moths.
- Vertical Growth: Their tall, spiky growth habit can help create layers in garden design, allowing for efficient use of space.
- Emotional Well-being: The presence of flowering plants like the Delphinium in the environment has been linked to positive mood and stress reduction.
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 striking colors and tall spires, can be used as a backdrop or a focus in floral photography, adding height and a touch of elegance to the composition.
- Edible Flowers: Although not a common practice, the petals of some delphinium varieties are edible and can be used to add color to salads or as a garnish. Caution is advised as some parts of the plant are toxic.
- Dye Production: Historically, delphinium flowers have been used to create a blue dye for textiles, although this is not very common today.
- Art and Craft: Pressed delphinium flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decoupage projects.
- Garden Design: Delphiniums can be used to create a vertical element in garden beds or as a part of a 'living wall' in larger landscape designs.
- Theme Gardens: Delphiniums are perfect for a blue-themed garden or to represent tranquility and peace in a meditation garden due to their calming color.
- Symbolism: Delphiniums are often used for their symbolism in arrangements, signifying positivity and openness to new experiences; they may adorn venues in events promoting these values.
- Teaching Tool: In educational settings, delphiniums can serve as an example of plant growth habits, pollination, and botany basics.
- Crowd Control: In public gardens, tall varieties like the delphinium can be planted in strategic areas to guide foot traffic or block off certain sections without the need for fencing.
- Cultural Celebrations: In some cultures, delphiniums may be used during certain festivals or celebrations as part of the traditional decor due to their vivid appearance.
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: Delphiniums are often associated with protection due to their height and the way they stand out in a garden. The 'Kennington Classic' variety shares this symbolism, offering a sense of guardianship and refuge.
- Heavenly Ascent: The tall and spire-like blooms of the delphinium, especially the 'Kennington Classic', are symbolic of an upward journey, leading thoughts and emotions heavenward, representing transcendence and spiritual elevation.
- Openness to New Experiences: Delphiniums, with their bold and structured presence, symbolize a willingness to embrace opportunities and an openness to life's possibilities, which is attributed to the 'Kennington Classic' cultivar as well.
- Arrogance or Boldness: In certain cultural contexts, delphiniums can symbolize boldness, which may sometimes be interpreted as arrogance. 'Kennington Classic', with its striking appearance, can likewise signify confidence or audacity.
- Fun: The vibrant colors and the cheerfulness of the delphinium blooms represent joy and fun, a symbolism that carries over to the 'Kennington Classic', encouraging a light-hearted and positive outlook.
- Health and Wellness: Traditional associations of delphiniums with health and well-being are also pertinent to the 'Kennington Classic', suggesting vitality and the protection of one's physical and emotional state.
- Good Fortune: Culturally, delphiniums have been known to symbolize good fortune. The 'Kennington Classic', with its lush flowers, is no exception, embodying luck and prosperity.
WaterLarkspur, commonly known as Delphinium 'Kennington Classic', requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency should increase to twice per week. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Adjust the watering schedule during the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant, reducing the amount of water to prevent root rot.
LightLarkspurs thrive in full sun to partial shade. Delphinium 'Kennington Classic' performs best when it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location that provides morning sun and some afternoon shade, particularly in areas with very hot summer temperatures, to prevent overheating and stress.
TemperatureLarkspurs, being cool-climate plants, prefer temperatures that range from 65°F to 75°F during the day and cooler nights that do not drop below 50°F. Delphinium 'Kennington Classic' can survive minimum temperatures as low as 40°F, but anything below that may be detrimental to the plant. Protect the plant from extreme heat, as temperatures above 85°F can cause stress and poor performance.
PruningPruning Larkspur, or Delphinium 'Kennington Classic', encourages a tidier plant and may promote a second flush of blooms. After the first flowering, cut back the spent flower stalks to the base of the plant or to a set of new leaves to encourage new growth. Prune in late winter or early spring as new growth appears, removing any dead or damaged stems. The best time for major pruning is immediately after the first round of flowering has finished.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix would be garden soil, compost, and perlite in equal parts to enhance drainage and fertility.
RepottingLarkspur, being a perennial, does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted if the plant outgrows its current container or every two to three years.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur thrives best in moderate humidity levels, similar to that of its natural outdoor environment; it does not require special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light; ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from strong winds, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
Larkspur 'Kennington Classic' is suitable for USDA zones 3-7.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Delphinium 'Kennington Classic', commonly known as Larkspur, begins with seed germination, which typically happens in the spring when temperatures become suitable for growth. From the germinated seed, a seedling emerges, developing its first true leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it develops a strong stem and a foliage of green leaves, preparing for the flowering stage. The flowering stage sees the production of tall spikes adorned with blossoms, usually in shades of blue, that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds and, if conditions allow, these seeds will be dispersed to start new plants, thereby completing the cycle. In colder climates, Larkspur may die back to the ground in winter, yet the plant can re-emerge from its root system or self-sown seeds the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Delphinium 'Kennington Classic', commonly known as Larkspur, is by seed. To propagate by seed, begin this process in late winter to early spring. First, sow the seeds thinly in trays of moist seed-starting mix, barely covering them with the mix as they require light to germinate. Maintain the trays at around 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) and keep the soil consistently moist. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on until they are large enough to be planted out in the garden after the last frost has passed.
