Larkspur Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett'
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett' is a striking perennial known for its beautiful display of flowers and lush foliage. Its flowers, which are a soft shade of lavender-blue, are densely packed on spike-like structures called racemes. They provide a breathtaking vertical accent with their tiered arrangement of blossoms. The plant blooms sometime in the early to mid-summer and the flowers are known to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Each individual flower is comprised of five petal-like sepals that fan out from a central point, creating a classic dolphin-like shape, which is characteristic of the delphinium group. Some flowers may have a contrasting white or light-colored "bee" or central eye that further adds to their ornamental appeal. The foliage of 'Lilian Bassett' consists of deeply lobed, medium green leaves. These leaves are divided into narrow segments, giving them a feathery appearance that serves as a lovely backdrop to the striking flowers. The overall form of the plant includes a basal clump of leaves from which the tall flower spikes emerge, creating a mounding habit that supports the vertical thrust of the blooming stalks. The contrast between the delicate-looking leaves and the prominent blooms creates an elegant interplay of texture and form. 'Lilian Bassett' is part of the larger delphinium family, plants celebrated for their showy spikes and richly colored flowers, which make them popular in cottage gardens and traditional flower borders. They are appreciated for their ability to add height and color to garden designs without detailing their exact measurements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Larkspur, Candle Larkspur, Common Larkspur.
Common names
Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the 'Lilian Bassett' cultivar, is toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to poisoning, which may be characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscular weakness. In severe cases, it can cause neuromuscular paralysis, leading to respiratory failure and possibly death if not treated in time.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets. If ingested, symptoms of toxicity can mimic those in humans, with potential signs including drooling, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle tremors, stiffness, and seizures. At high levels, consumption could result in respiratory failure and can be fatal without prompt veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett', commonly known as Larkspur, has striking flowers that enhance the aesthetics of any garden with their vibrant colors and impressive height.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Larkspur are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Larkspur can be used in various landscaping designs, including borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens, due to its tall and stately appearance.
- Seasonal Interest: Larkspur blooms in the early summer, providing seasonal interest and adding variety to the garden when other plants may not be flowering.
- Cut Flower Use: The long stems and lasting blooms make Larkspur an ideal choice for cut flower arrangements, adding beauty to indoor environments.
- Structural Height: Larkspur can contribute structural height to a garden composition, offering a vertical accent among lower-growing plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett' can be used as a natural dye, producing blue or purple hues for textiles and artwork due to the pigments in their petals.
- The tall and striking spires of Delphiniums can be used as a natural support for more delicate plants that may require staking in the garden.
- The dried stalks of Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett' can be fashioned into rustic garden stakes or markers for labeling other plants.
- The plant can be used in flower arranging and bouquet making, where the stems provide height and a focal point among other blooms.
- Their abundant blooms can be used to create a picturesque setting for outdoor functions like weddings or garden parties.
- Delphinium petals can be included in potpourris for their color, though they have no significant fragrance.
- Delphiniums are often incorporated in cottage gardens for aesthetic purposes, to bring an old-world charm and a pop of color.
- The plant can serve as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, as some pests tend to avoid the strong stems and foliage of Delphiniums.
- Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett' is also used as a food source for butterfly larvae, contributing to a diverse garden ecosystem that supports local wildlife.
- Photographers may use these vibrant plants as natural backdrops for portraits and macro photography, taking advantage of their vivid colors and textures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Big-heartedness: Delphiniums are often associated with open-hearted emotions and a willingness to help others.
- Protection: Some cultures believe delphiniums have protective qualities, providing a safeguard against dangers.
- Heavenly: With their tall, spiky shape and vibrant colors, delphiniums are thought to represent reaching out to the divine and striving for higher aspirations.
- Fun: The joyous appearance of the delphinium makes it a symbol of levity and light-heartedness.
- Ardent Attachment: Given as a gift, delphiniums express a strong bond of love or affection with the intensity of their hues and stature.
- New Opportunities: These flowers can signify embracing new opportunities and experiences with optimism.
WaterDelphiniums, including 'Lilian Bassett', should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, with about 1 inch of water each time. It's important to water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage, to prevent disease. During dry spells, water may be required more frequently. It’s essential for the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Over the course of a month, this would mean a total of about 4 to 8 gallons depending on the plant's size and environmental factors.
LightDelphiniums, such as 'Lilian Bassett', thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these tall perennials is an area in the garden that receives ample morning light and is protected from strong afternoon sun, which can be too intense and may lead to wilting.
TemperatureDelphiniums like 'Lilian Bassett' prefer moderate temperatures and grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooler night temperatures. They can survive a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside these ranges, the plant may not perform well.
PruningPruning Delphiniums like 'Lilian Bassett' is crucial for maintaining their health and promoting vigorous growth. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to ground level. Pruning is also a good time to thin out any crowded stems to improve air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Lilian Bassett' thrives in a soil mix that is rich, well-draining, and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A blend of loamy soil with compost and a minor amount of sand or perlite to improve drainage is ideal. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support vigorous growth.
RepottingLarkspur 'Lilian Bassett' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new soil before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Lilian Bassett' prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate variance. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60% for optimal growth, avoiding overly dry or overly moist environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, moist soil, and cool temps for indoor Larkspurs.
Outdoor
Place in full sun to part shade, enrich soil, and ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett', commonly known as Larkspur, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in early spring when soil temperatures warm. Once germinated, the seedling stage involves the development of a small rosette of basal leaves. As the plant matures during the vegetative stage, it develops a sturdy stem and a larger leaf structure. During early to mid-summer, the Larkspur enters the flowering stage, producing tall spires of flowers that can range from purple to blue, with 'Lilian Bassett' known for its mauve-pink hues. After pollination, typically by bees, the plant progresses to the fruiting stage, where it develops follicles containing seeds that mature by late summer or fall. The plant goes dormant in winter, completing its annual life cycle, and may reemerge from existing root structures or self-seed the following spring if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Delphinium 'Lilian Bassett', commonly known as Larkspur, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow Delphinium seeds is during spring, after the threat of frost has passed, which ensures that seedlings are not subjected to harsh cold conditions. To propagate Larkspur by seed, one should plant the seeds in well-draining soil at a shallow depth, no more than a quarter of an inch (approximately 6 millimeters), because they require sufficient light to germinate effectively. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and seedlings usually emerge within two to three weeks in temperatures around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their final location, taking care to space them appropriately as Delphinium plants can grow quite large.
