Larkspur Delphinium 'Loch Leven'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Loch Leven' is a striking plant renowned for its beautiful flowers. It boasts an array of semi-double blooms that exhibit a captivating blend of soft pink to lavender hues, each flower accentuated by a white or pale pink central bee, which is a contrasting eye in the center of the petals. These blossoms are densely packed in elongated, spike-like clusters known as racemes, which rise elegantly above the foliage. The leaves of Delphinium 'Loch Leven' are deeply lobed with a fine, almost fern-like texture, adding a delicate touch to the plant's overall appearance. The foliage presents in a lush green color that serves as a perfect backdrop to the vibrant floral display. This perennial is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest and a touch of romantic charm to their borders or flower arrangements without the specifics of its dimensions entering the conversation. Its stately blooms are often favored for their traditional cottage garden feel and their charismatic presence in any setting where stature is less of a concern than beauty and form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Loch Leven Larkspur, Hybrid Larkspur, Loch Leven Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Loch Leven'
ToxicityTo humans
The Delphinium, commonly known as larkspur, is toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of this plant can lead to severe symptoms which may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscular spasms, and in extreme cases, respiratory difficulties that could potentially be fatal due to cardiotoxic and neuromuscular-blocking effects.
To pets
The Delphinium, commonly known as larkspur, is also toxic to pets. Symptoms of poisoning in pets are similar to those in humans and can include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness, convulsions, and in severe cases, respiratory failure which can potentially lead to death. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Delphinium 'Loch Leven', commonly known as Delphinium, adds striking vertical interest to gardens with its tall spires of blue, purple, or lavender flowers that are visually appealing and can become focal points in landscape design.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are vital for pollination and for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Delphiniums are a staple in the traditional English cottage garden, contributing to that classic, informal style many gardeners desire.
- Cut Flower Usage: The long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers for vases and floral arrangements, adding beauty indoors as well as out.
- Seasonal Interest: Delphiniums typically bloom in early summer and can often be encouraged to produce a second flush of flowers in late summer or early fall, extending the season of interest in the garden.
- Versatility in Design: While they are a classic choice for cottage and formal gardens, Delphinium 'Loch Leven' can also be used in mixed borders and contemporary settings due to their color and structure.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Delphiniums can be used as a natural dye for fabric and yarn, providing a range of blue and purple hues depending on the mordant used.
- The tall spikes of delphiniums are often included in floral arrangements, particularly in wedding bouquets, to add height and a splash of color.
- In the language of flowers, delphiniums can represent cheerfulness and goodwill, making them a meaningful gift in bouquets for friends and family.
- Delphinium petals can be pressed and used in crafts, such as creating unique bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed art.
- Photographers and painters often use delphiniums as a subject or as part of a backdrop because of their striking visual appeal.
- With their bright and tall blooms, delphiniums can also act as a natural stake for supporting other plants in the garden.
- Delphiniums are sometimes used in butterfly gardens as they attract a variety of pollinators with their nectar-rich flowers.
- In a cut-flower garden, delphiniums provide a reliable source of blooms throughout the growing season for fresh bouquets.
- Delphiniums serve as companion plants in the garden to deter certain pests, owing to their toxicity.
- Gardeners may use the seed pods of delphiniums in dried arrangements once the flowers have spent, for a lasting textural element in decor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Heavenly or Divine Ascent: Delphiniums, including 'Loch Leven', are often associated with ascending the heights, possibly due to their tall spikes that reach upwards. They may symbolize striving for goals and reaching for the stars.
- Protection: In folklore, delphiniums were thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, offering protection to those around them.
- Boldness and Bravery: The vibrant colors and commanding presence of the delphinium are emblematic of boldness and bravery in the face of challenges.
- Open Heart and Ardent Attachment: The delphinium's lush, open floral spikes can symbolize an open heart and passionate attachment, often representing strong bonds of love.
- Lightness and Levity: The airy quality of the delphinium's flowers are sometimes interpreted as a symbol of lightness and levity, suggesting a sense of joy and carefree feelings.
- Remembering Loved Ones: Delphiniums are sometimes planted or given in remembrance of lost loved ones, symbolizing the memory and love that continues even after departure.
- New Opportunities: Due to their growth pattern and the production of new flowers, delphiniums can represent seizing new opportunities and embarking on new ventures with enthusiasm.
- Fun and Positivity: With their bright colors and stately appearance, delphiniums often symbolize fun and positivity, injecting life and vibrancy into various settings.
WaterThe Larkspur should be watered deeply once a week, providing it with about 1 gallon of water each time to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water it twice a week. Always check the soil before watering; it should be dry an inch below the surface. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's critical to allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Avoid splashing water on the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
LightLarkspurs prefer full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant them in a location where they can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the morning and afternoon for optimal growth. If grown in too much shade, larkspurs may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureLarkspurs thrive in cooler climates with temperatures ranging between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand a minimum temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. For best flowering, keep the larkspur in conditions where it can enjoy cooler summer temperatures, particularly at night.
PruningPrune Larkspurs immediately after the first flowering to encourage a second bloom. Deadheading spent flowers regularly helps to maintain the plant's appearance and vigor. Cut back the stems to the ground level in late fall or early winter after the plant has finished blooming and the leaves have yellowed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Loch Leven' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter such as compost. The pH should ideally be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.8 to 7.5. A mix of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand can create an optimal growing environment for this variety.
RepottingLarkspur 'Loch Leven' is typically not repotted as it is an annual or biennial plant. Instead, it is replanted each year or every other year with fresh, nutrient-rich soil to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Loch Leven' prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate some variation. It does not require any special humidity conditions and will do well in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for Larkspur 'Loch Leven'.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun with well-draining soil for Larkspur 'Loch Leven'.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Delphinium 'Loch Leven', commonly known as Loch Leven Larkspur, starts its life cycle as a seed that germinates in early spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is adequate. After germination, it enters the vegetative stage, developing a rosette of basal leaves and then upward-growing stems with deeply lobed leaves. As it matures in late spring to early summer, the Loch Leven Larkspur produces tall spikes of semi-double, mauve-blue flowers with small, central, white bees, attracting pollinators to the garden. After flowering, if conditions allow, the plant may produce a second flush of blooms before the end of the growing season. Seeds develop in small, dry follicles that, when mature, release seeds to the environment for dispersal. Over winter, the Loch Leven Larkspur is often dormant, surviving as a crown beneath the soil surface in climates with cold winter, ready to regrow when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Delphinium 'Loch Leven', commonly referred to as larkspur, is typically propagated through seed sowing. The optimal time for sowing Delphinium seeds is in late winter to early spring, depending on the climate zone. With this method, you begin by placing seeds on top of a well-draining seed starting mix and lightly covering them with soil. Moisture is crucial, so keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. To encourage germination, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, maintain a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be thinned out and eventually transplanted to their final growing location after the risk of frost has passed. Seed propagation is popular because it allows gardeners to raise a large number of plants economically and is relatively straightforward, even for novice gardeners.
