Larkspur Delphinium 'Lord Butler'
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Lord Butler' is a striking perennial plant known for its majestic flowering spikes. It boasts a delightful array of blooms, typically in a sublime shade of blue, which is often sought after by gardeners for its rich, vivid hue. The flowers are densely packed on sturdy stalks, forming a column of blossoms that add an impressive vertical accent to any garden space. Each flower is composed of numerous smaller petals surrounding a central, white 'bee', or eye, that contrasts beautifully with the blue petals. The foliage of the Delphinium 'Lord Butler' is comprised of deeply lobed, green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the dramatic flowers. The overall form is a clumping nature with the flowers rising above the foliage in a showy display that is both elegant and robust. This variety is particularly prized for its strong stems that are less likely to need staking, which is a common requirement for many other delphiniums. The regal appearance of this plant makes it a popular choice for traditional cottage gardens and is often used as a focal point in floral borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Lord Butler'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur is poisonous to humans. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids that can lead to serious health issues if ingested. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and muscle paralysis. Severe cases can result in respiratory failure and death.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The alkaloids present in the plant can cause similar symptoms as in humans: gastrointestinal upset, muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially, fatal respiratory failure. Early veterinary intervention is crucial if a pet ingests any part of larkspur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Delphinium 'Lord Butler', commonly known as Larkspur, adds vibrant blue to violet hues to the garden, which can provide a striking visual impact.
- Height Interest: This cultivar can reach impressive heights, adding vertical interest and structure to garden beds and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity within the garden ecosystem.
- Cut Flowers: The long stems and beautiful blooms make them excellent for use in fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Cottage Garden Style: Delphiniums are quintessential to the classic cottage garden style, lending an old-fashioned charm to any outdoor space.
- Seasonal Interest: With a typical bloom time in late spring to early summer, Larkspur provides seasonal color and can be a focal point during its peak.
- Companion Planting: These plants pair well with roses, peonies, and other perennials to create dynamic and layered garden designs.
- Border Planting: Due to their height and prominent flowers, they work well at the back of borders, providing a backdrop for shorter plants.
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 appearance, can be used as an elegant backdrop or a vibrant subject in floral photography, enhancing the aesthetic of the photo.
- Dye Source: Historically, some delphinium species have been used to make blue dyes, which could be applied to fabrics for a natural colorant.
- Garden Structure: Tall varieties of delphiniums can be planted alongside fences or walls to provide a vertical interest and structure to garden designs.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners may plant delphiniums near vegetable gardens as their height and color can help attract pollinators to the area, benefitting the yields of vegetable crops.
- Theatre and Stage Design: Due to their dramatic height and vivid colors, delphiniums can be used in stage design to create a natural setting or emphasize a specific atmosphere for plays and performances.
- Botanical Studies: Delphiniums can be subjects in botanical studies and educational programs focused on plant growth habits, propagation, and taxonomy.
- Floral Art: Artists and crafters can use dried or fresh delphinium flowers in the creation of botanical art pieces, pressed flower crafts, or other decorative items.
- Theme Gardens: Delphiniums can be a central feature in a 'blue-themed' garden or in spaces designed to showcase plants with cool-colored flowers.
- Memorial Plantings: Given their regal posture and often deep blue to purple flowers, delphiniums can be planted in remembrance gardens as a symbol of remembrance and dignity.
- Butterfly Gardens: Delphiniums are known to attract butterflies, and incorporating them into a butterfly garden can help provide necessary nectar sources for various butterfly species.
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, also known as Larkspur, are often associated with positivity and the willingness to embrace opportunities and challenges.
- Protection: In some traditions, Delphiniums symbolize protection against dangers, negativity, and misfortune.
- Heavenly and Divine Connection: Due to their towering height and sky-blue color, Delphiniums are thought to symbolize a connection to the divine and the celestial realms.
- Celebration of Success: The regal presence of the Delphinium 'Lord Butler' represents the triumph and joy associated with success and achievement.
- Cherishing Memories: Delphiniums are sometimes used to commemorate loved ones and convey heartfelt emotions, symbolizing the preservation of memories.
- Ardent Attachment: The plant is often seen as a symbol of an open heart and passionate attachment, signifying strong bonds of love.
WaterLarkspur, commonly referred to as Delphinium, requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It's best to water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, rather than frequent shallow watering. Ensure that the plant receives about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. During hot spells or dry weather, monitor soil moisture closely and increase watering frequency as needed.
LightLarkspurs thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for your Delphinium 'Lord Butler' is an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a region with very hot summers, providing afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense heat.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers moderate temperatures, with ideal growing conditions between 65°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 40°F but may be damaged by temperatures below this. Delphiniums can handle up to about 85°F, above which they may require additional shade or water to stay cool. The temperature range provided is a guideline for ensuring your plant's health and bloom quality.
PruningLarkspurs benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune back your Delphinium 'Lord Butler' in early spring to promote strong stems. After the first wave of flowering, cut the flower stalks back by one third to one half to encourage a second flush of blooms. The best time for pruning is generally after the initial blooming period has concluded, which is typically in early to mid-summer for larkspurs.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDelphinium or Larkspur prefers well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. A soil pH between 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. Ensure the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged.
RepottingLarkspur, generally grown as an annual, doesn't usually require repotting. If grown as a perennial, divide and replant every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur thrives best in moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions to grow well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent watering for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, provide space for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Delphinium 'Lord Butler', commonly known as Larkspur, begins with seed germination, which occurs in spring after the last frost when soil temperatures warm sufficiently. Seedlings emerge and grow into vegetative plants, developing a rosette of basal leaves and strong root systems. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, producing tall spikes adorned with vibrant blue or purple flowers which attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit containing seeds that mature by late summer or early fall. As a perennial plant, Larkspur will enter a dormant phase after seed dispersal, with above-ground parts dying back and the root system remaining alive through winter. With the return of favorable conditions in the subsequent spring, new growth will emerge from the existing root, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Delphinium 'Lord Butler', commonly known as Larkspur, is by seed. The best time to sow Larkspur seeds is in late winter to early spring, when the soil starts to warm up. Sowing can be done indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in a seed starting mix. The tiny seeds should be gently pressed into the soil but not completely covered as they need light to germinate, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Seedlings should be thinned out or transplanted so that they are spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart to ensure ample growing space. After the risk of frost has passed, hardened-off seedlings can be transferred to the garden.
