Larkspur Delphinium elatum 'Morning Lights' (New Millennium Series)
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Morning Lights' from the New Millennium Series is a captivating perennial known for its striking blooms. This plant displays a majestic presence in the garden with its sturdy stalks that are densely packed with double flowers. The flowers themselves captivate onlookers with their gentle hues, blending lavenders and soft blues, which often exhibit a gradient effect that fades to a lighter shade toward the center. Each bloom is graced with a small, white "bee," or central tuft of stamens, which provides a delightful contrast to the pastel petals. The foliage of Delphinium 'Morning Lights' consists of deeply lobed leaves, which are highly ornate and offer a rich, lush green backdrop to the floral display. This foliage arrangement gives the plant a full, textured look even when it is not in bloom. When in flower, the plant exhibits a regal form, with the floral spikes rising above the foliage and creating a visual spectacle that’s both vertical and commanding. Delphinium 'Morning Lights' is especially favored among gardeners not only for its height, which contributes to its prominence in garden design, but also for its ability to bring vertical interest and an architectural element to a landscape. Its overall form is well-structured and its habit, while stately, possesses a certain grace that complements a wide variety of other garden plants. Overall, it is a plant of extraordinary beauty that can act as a focal point in the garden, capturing the imagination and drawing the eye with its cool-colored blossoms and elegant presentation.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Candle Larkspur, Alpine Delphinium, Tall Larkspur
Common names
Delphinium elatum 'Morning Lights' (New Millennium Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, specifically the Delphinium elatum species, is toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids such as delphinine. Ingesting any part of larkspur can cause serious symptoms including, but not limited to, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, and cardiac disturbances which can potentially be fatal. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, including both dogs and cats. The entire plant, especially the seeds and young leaves, contains alkaloids that can cause salivation, muscle tremors, neuromuscular paralysis, constipation, and potentially death. Symptoms may progress rapidly and can also include severe gastrointestinal upset, drooling, weakness, and cardiac failure. Prompt veterinary care is required if a pet ingests any part of a larkspur plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Delphinium elatum 'Morning Lights' has tall spikes adorned with star-shaped flowers, providing a striking visual aesthetic to any garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Cut Flower Use: These delphiniums are ideal for cut flower arrangements due to their height and the long-lasting nature of their blooms.
- Color Variety: The New Millennium Series offers a range of colors, and 'Morning Lights' adds a serene light blue or lavender shade to the mix.
- Vertical Interest: The plant's tall growth habit adds vertical dimension to garden designs and can be used to create depth in flower beds.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Fits perfectly into cottage-style gardens, contributing to a traditional and romantic garden ambiance.
- Seasonal Interest: It flowers in early summer and, with proper deadheading, can have a second flowering period later in the season.
- Improved Hybrids: The New Millennium Series, including 'Morning Lights', has been bred for increased vigor and disease resistance compared to traditional delphiniums.
- Seeds or Plants: Available as seeds or plants, offering flexibility in garden planning and development.
- Structural Support for Other Plants: Their sturdy stems can provide support for neighboring plants that may have a floppier growth habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The thick stems of Delphinium can be used as natural supports for other, lighter-stemmed plants in gardens, helping to maintain structure.
- When dried and treated, the hollow stems of Delphiniums can be crafted into musical wind instruments or whistles for children’s toys.
- Delphinium petals can be scattered as a natural confetti at events like weddings for an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic confetti.
- With their vibrant colors, Delphinium flowers can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues from blues to purples.
- Delphiniums are used in floristry for flower arranging competitions due to their striking appearance and height which provides a dramatic effect.
- The flowers can be pressed and included in handcrafted paper to create attractive, decorative sheets for crafts or stationary.
- In colder climates, the matured seed pods can be used in frost-resistant garden art, adding structural beauty throughout the winter.
- Delphinium's large leaves can be used as molds for garden stepping stones or patio pavers, leaving unique leaf patterns.
- Fine art photographers may use Delphiniums as subjects for high-speed photography, capturing the dynamic movement of the blooms as they are dropped into water.
- Delphinium flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add color and a light, floral fragrance to rooms.
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 Possibilities: As a part of the 'New Millennium Series,' Delphinium ‘Morning Lights’ symbolizes embrace of innovation and the dawn of new eras, reflecting its name which suggests the start of a new day filled with opportunities.
- Protection and Safety: Delphiniums in general have been associated with protection due to the plant's historical use to ward off scorpions, and 'Morning Lights' carries this legacy of safeguarding against dangers and negative influences.
- Celebration of Success or Achievement: The striking height and proud stance of the Delphinium 'Morning Lights' flowers are often seen as a celebration of success, resembling a rocket shooting upwards, embodying high achievement and aspiration.
- Ardent Attachment: The vibrant and intense blue color of ‘Morning Lights’ is reminiscent of the deep and passionate bonds of attachment, symbolizing strong loyalty and devoted love.
WaterLarkspur requires consistent moisture, so it's important to water it regularly but avoid overwatering. Aim to water the plant early in the morning at the base to keep moisture off the foliage, which could lead to fungal diseases. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, more during particularly dry or hot spells. Ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy, as Larkspur does not like wet feet. In containers, you may need to water every other day, checking regularly that the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.
LightLarkspur thrives in areas with full sun to light shade. Ideally, provide it with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If the temperatures are extremely high, some afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress. An east-facing spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade can work well for those in hotter climates.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 65°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F and up to 75°F. High heat can reduce its performance and lifespan, so during summer's peak, it benefits from being in a location that offers protection from the intense afternoon heat.
PruningPruning Larkspur helps encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to ground level, as this will help rejuvenate and prepare it for the next growing season. The best time for major pruning is after the first killing frost in the fall or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Larkspur 'Morning Lights' thrives in a rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil recipe that works well includes equal parts of loam, peat moss, and sand or perlite to provide the necessary drainage and fertility. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to enhance its nutrient content.
RepottingLarkspur 'Morning Lights' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is usually grown as an annual or biennial. It should be replanted or divided only as needed to manage size or if it outgrows its current space, which might be every 2-3 years if grown as a perennial.
Humidity & MistingDelphiniums like Larkspur 'Morning Lights' prefer moderate humidity levels. The best humidity range for this plant is between 40% to 70%. They do not tolerate high humidity well as it may lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Larkspur 'Morning Lights' in a sunny spot with damp, fertile soil.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun, moist soil, and protect from strong winds for Larkspur.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium elatum 'Morning Lights', commonly known as larkspur, starts its life as a seed which germinates in early spring, requiring moist, well-drained soil and a cool environment. Upon germination, the seedling develops a rosette of basal leaves and then progresses to the vegetative stage, where it forms a tall flowering stalk with lush foliage. During the flowering stage in late spring or early summer, it produces spikes of semi-double to double blue flowers, which are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into follicles containing seeds. As a perennial, once the flowering has ended, the plant can enter a period of dormancy, with the above-ground parts dying back in winter, while the root system remains alive. The plant emerges again the following spring, continuing this cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Delphinium elatum 'Morning Lights', commonly known as delphinium, is a plant that can be propagated through various methods. However, one of the most popular and successful methods of propagation for delphiniums is by sowing seeds. To propagate delphiniums from seed, the best time to sow is early spring, indoors, about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep. Delphinium seeds require light to germinate, so they should not be covered completely with soil. The soil temperature should be maintained at around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 14 to 21 days. Seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they are sturdy enough to handle and eventually moved outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
