Larkspur Delphinium 'Margaret'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Margaret' is an elegant perennial plant known for its striking blooms and stately appearance. The plant boasts tall spikes adorned with a series of flowers that code for a visual spectacle in any garden setting. The blooms are a captivating shade of blue, ranging from deep azure to softer sky blue hues and are often accented with a touch of pink or purple. Each flower is composed of five petal-like sepals that spread outwards, with the top sepal typically overarching and forming a unique spout-like shape, which gives the blossoms their distinct, dolphin-like appearance that Delphiniums are known for. These flowers have a central bee, or grouping of stamens, which frequently has contrasting colors, adding another layer of beauty and intricacy to the blooms. The foliage of 'Margaret' is equally attractive, with deeply cut, palmate leaves that are a rich, glossy green. These leaves create an attractive backdrop for the stunning floral display which typically occurs in the early summer and can extend into the late summer with proper care. The distinctive flower spires of Delphinium 'Margaret' make them favorite choices for adding vertical interest to a garden, and they are often used as backdrops in perennial borders or cottage garden settings. Their striking appearance also makes them favorites for cut flower arrangements, where they can bring height and color to the composition.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Margaret'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the variety Delphinium 'Margaret', contains alkaloids that are toxic to humans if ingested. The plant's toxicity can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and muscle paralysis. In severe cases, ingestion of larkspur can lead to respiratory failure and death.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The alkaloids can cause drooling, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, and paralysis. Severe poisonings may lead to respiratory failure and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Delphinium 'Margaret' is known for its tall spikes of vibrant blue flowers, which can add a dramatic splash of color to any garden or landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Vertical Interest: Its height, which can reach up to 6 feet, provides vertical interest and can be used to create depth in garden design.
- Seasonal Color: The plant typically blooms in early summer, providing seasonal color when many spring flowers have faded.
- Cottage Garden Style: Delphiniums are a classic choice for a traditional cottage garden, complementing other perennials and annuals.
- Cut Flowers: The bloom stalks of Delphinium 'Margaret' make excellent cut flowers, offering a long vase life and a striking presence in floral arrangements.
- Background Planting: Due to its height and structure, it can serve as an effective background plant for lower-growing flowers in garden beds.
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, providing shades of blue when used to dye fabric or yarn.
- These plants are sometimes incorporated into rituals or ceremonies, symbolizing big-heartedness and fun.
- Delphiniums are frequently used in educational settings, such as biology classrooms or botanical studies, to teach plant structure and pollination.
- The tall and striking appearance of delphiniums makes them excellent for use in artistic photography and botanical illustration.
- These flowers can be pressed and included in personal diaries or bookmarks as a decorative element.
- In gardening, they are often planted to provide vertical interest and can be used as a background for lower-growing plants in landscape design.
- Delphinium petals can be used to create a natural confetti for celebrations in place of synthetic materials.
- The plant is good for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is beneficial for the health of the entire garden ecosystem.
- Some artists use the delphinium flowers as a model or inspiration for jewelry designs, capturing their form in metals and gems.
- Due to their bright and vivid colors, delphiniums may be planted as part of a color therapy garden, aimed at promoting relaxation and well-being through visual stimulus.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLarkspur is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLarkspur is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Openness to New Experiences: Delphinium 'Margaret', also commonly known as Larkspur, often symbolizes a willingness to embrace new opportunities and experiences, drawing from its growth toward the sky.
- Protection: In folklore, Larkspur was believed to ward off spirits and negativity, hence it is associated with providing protection.
- Ardent Attachment: The flower's bold hues and distinctive shape signify a strong and passionate bond when given to someone, suggesting depth of feeling.
- Lightness and Levity: The airy nature of Larkspur's blooms can represent a sense of joy and a carefree attitude.
- Big-Heartedness: The Larkspur's lush, full blooms are often linked with a generous and open heart, one that is expansive in its giving and compassion.
- July Birth Flower: As the birth flower for July, Larkspur symbolizes the lightness and enthusiasm of those born in this summer month.
WaterLarkspur, commonly known as Delphinium 'Margaret', should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth, typically receiving about 1 inch of water per week. During hot and dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, focusing instead on the base of the plant. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for the best results. Depending on the size of your larkspur and the weather conditions, you might need to provide from half a gallon to 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session.
LightLarkspur thrives in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Plant Delphinium 'Margaret' in a spot where it is exposed to direct sunlight to encourage strong growth and prolific blooming. However, it may appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter climates to help protect it from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureFor larkspur, the ideal temperature range lies between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Delphinium 'Margaret' can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate maximum temperatures of up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Be aware that prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of its ideal range may stress the plant and reduce flowering.
PruningPruning larkspur, or Delphinium 'Margaret', promotes healthy growth, removes spent flowers to encourage additional blooming, and helps maintain an attractive shape. Prune the plant back after the first flush of blooms to promote a second bloom period. Deadheading, or removing faded flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. The best time for a more extensive pruning is in the late winter or early spring just as new growth starts to appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Margaret' flourishes in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a slightly alkaline pH between 6.8 and 7.5. Adding compost or aged manure can enrich the soil, promoting healthy growth.
RepottingTypically, larkspur 'Margaret' does not need frequent repotting as it is commonly grown as an annual; if grown as a perennial, repot every 2 to 3 years or as necessary when the root system outgrows the current container.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Margaret' prefers moderate humidity levels; however, it is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions as long as it is not too dry for prolonged periods.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide good light and cool conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Delphinium 'Margaret', commonly known as Larkspur, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil during late winter or early spring under proper conditions. The seeds germinate and the plant emerges as seedlings with a few sets of true leaves. As the larkspur grows, it develops a strong stem and a rosette of basal leaves, eventually producing tall spikes of semi-double, blue and pink flowers that attract pollinators during late spring to early summer. After pollination, the flowers mature into fruit that contains seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, once the flowering stage is over and the plant enters dormancy in the fall, the larkspur will die back to the ground, with the root system surviving through the winter to sprout anew the following spring. If growing conditions remain favorable, this life cycle will repeat annually, with the plant potentially living several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Delphinium, commonly known as Larkspur, specifically the 'Margaret' variety, is by sowing seeds. The ideal time to start propagation by seeds is in late winter to early spring, which provides a longer growing season for the plant to develop before the onset of cold weather. To propagate, Delphinium seeds should be sown indoors about 1/8 inch deep (approximately 3 mm) in a seed starting mix. It's recommended to keep the soil moist but not soggy and provide plenty of light. Seeds usually germinate within 2 to 3 weeks at a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings have grown enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and eventually moved outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
