Delphinium Delphinium Princess Caroline = 'Odabar'
ABOUT
Delphinium Princess Caroline is a striking plant known for its distinctive appearance. It showcases an array of beautiful blooms typically in vibrant shades of pink, which can range from soft pastels to more intense shades. These flowers are densely packed on towering spikes, adding a vertical element to gardens or landscapes. The blossoms of this delphinium are characterized by their intricate structure, featuring a central bee or eye that often displays a contrasting color, adding to the flower's allure. This eye-catching detail is a hallmark of the delphinium's charm and contributes to its regal presence in any setting. The foliage of the Princess Caroline delphinium is made up of deeply lobed, green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the dramatic spikes of flowers. The leaves can sometimes have a slightly glossy finish, which further enhances the plant's ornamental appeal. Overall, the Delphinium Princess Caroline is admired for its flower-laden spikes and stately appearance, which make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add height, color, and elegance to their floral displays. Its striking blossoms make it an attractive choice for cut flower arrangements as well, where its prominent spikes can create a dramatic effect.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Odabar'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the Delphinium Princess Caroline or 'Odabar', is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains several alkaloids, such as delphinine, which can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and cardiac complications, potentially resulting in death. Prompt medical attention is necessary if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, with both domestic and livestock animals at risk if they consume the plant. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning in pets can include salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, it can cause cardiac failure and respiratory paralysis, leading to death. Immediate veterinary care is required if a pet ingests any part of the larkspur plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Delphinium Princess Caroline's vivid flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for pollination.
- Ornamental Value: With its striking pink petals, the plant adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes, making it a popular ornamental plant.
- Vertical Interest: The tall spires of Delphinium Princess Caroline add vertical dimension to garden designs, which can make a garden space appear larger and more dynamic.
- Color Contrast: Its pink blooms provide a contrast when planted among other plants with different colored flowers or foliage, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the garden.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers have a long vase life, which makes them excellent for cut flower arrangements, bouquets, and floral displays.
- Seasonal Blooms: This delphinium variety typically blooms in early to mid-summer, offering seasonal interest in the garden during this time of year.
- Cottage Garden Style: Delphiniums are classic plants found in traditional cottage gardens, and Delphinium Princess Caroline 'Odabar' is no exception, fitting beautifully into this romantic, informal garden style.
- Easy to Grow: While delphiniums have a reputation for being somewhat finicky, Delphinium Princess Caroline 'Odabar' has been bred to be hardier and easier for gardeners to grow successfully.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The tall and striking blooms of the Delphinium can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting shades of blue to the material.
- Delphinium petals can be pressed and included in the crafting of bespoke jewelry pieces, such as resin pendants or earrings.
- These plants can act as a natural pest deterrent in the garden, as some pests are repelled by their toxicity.
- The sturdy stems of the Delphinium can be used as natural supports for other, weaker-stemmed plants within a mixed border.
- Delphinium can be incorporated into a compost pile, as their high nitrogen content can help speed up the decomposition of organic matter.
- The plant's seeds, once sterilized, can be used in creative art projects, such as mosaic work or decorative gourds.
- Dried Delphinium flowers can be used to create potpourri mixtures or sachets, offering a subtle fragrance to closets and drawers.
- During thematic events or weddings, Delphiniums can be used as a natural confetti or table decoration.
- The plant can play a role in educational gardens, helping to teach about pollinators, as it is attractive to bees and butterflies.
- Delphinium's structural presence and varying heights can be used by photographers as a natural backdrop or setting for portrait photography.
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: The Delphinium Princess Caroline's bold hues and towering presence symbolize a willingness to embrace the unknown and dive into new adventures.
- Pure Heart: Delphiniums, in general, are often associated with purity and innocence, and the Princess Caroline variety, with its graceful blooms, is no exception to this symbolic meaning.
- Protective Charm: In some traditions, delphiniums are believed to ward off negative energies and spirits, acting as a protective talisman.
- Ardent Attachment: With their vibrant colors and impressive stature, Delphinium Princess Caroline can represent strong bonds of love and an ardent, passionate attachment to someone or something.
- Remembering Loved Ones: Delphiniums are often used in remembrance of lost loved ones, with their majestic beauty serving as a celebration of life and memory.
- Lightness and Levity: The airy quality of the Delphinium Princess Caroline's blooms can also symbolize a sense of joy, lightness, and humor in life's journey.
- Communicative Success: As delphiniums are named after the dolphin—a creature associated with communication—the Delphinium Princess Caroline may symbolize the ability to express thoughts and feelings successfully.
WaterDelphinium, commonly known as Larkspur, requires consistent moisture but should not be left in standing water. Watering should be done at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. In general, water Larkspur once or twice a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant each time, depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain evenly moist soil. Cut back on watering as the plant goes dormant in late fall and winter.
LightLarkspur thrives in full sun to light shade. For optimal growth and flowering, place the plant in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Avoid intensely hot, afternoon sun exposures in warmer climates, as this can stress the plant and lead to wilting.
TemperatureLarkspurs prefer cooler climates with temperatures ideally ranging between 50°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F but are not heat tolerant, often struggling if temperatures consistently exceed 85°F. Larkspur - ‘Odabar’ will bloom best in conditions that stay within this temperature range.
PruningPruning Larkspur is essential for maintaining its shape and encouraging a second bloom in the season. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote new growth. Cut back the flower stalks after the first flush of blooms has faded, typically in late summer. This pruning can stimulate a second flowering period in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Princess Caroline' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. An ideal soil mix for this plant would be one part loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. Regular enrichment with organic matter will help support its growth and flowering.
RepottingLarkspur 'Princess Caroline' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant. It should be repotted if the plant outgrows its container or if the soil becomes exhausted. Generally, this would not be more often than every 2-3 years, always in the springtime to encourage new growth.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Princess Caroline' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various conditions as long as it is not excessively humid. Ideal humidity should range from 40% to 60%. Avoid overly humid environments that can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and moist, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, moist fertile soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium Princess Caroline, commonly known as 'Odabar', begins its life cycle when its seeds are planted and successfully germinate, typically in a cool, moist substrate. Following germination, the seedlings establish themselves with their first true leaves, and the root system starts to develop. The vegetative growth stage follows, characterized by the elongation of stems and production of lush, green foliage, as the plant continues to mature. As the plant enters the reproductive phase, it develops spikes adorned with vibrant pink blossoms that attract pollinators and can last several weeks to months, depending on conditions. Once pollination occurs, the plant sets seeds which, when mature, are dispersed either naturally or through human intervention for the next generation. In perennial cycle, after the blooming period, the plant goes dormant, typically losing its above-ground parts in winter, and re-emerges from its rootstock the following spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Delphinium Princess Caroline, commonly known as 'Odabar', is typically propagated through seed sowing. The optimal time for sowing seeds is in late winter to early spring, under cover to protect them from extreme cold. Once the threat of frost has passed, the seedlings can then be transplanted outdoors. It's important to sow the seeds shallowly, merely pressing them into the surface of a soil-based seed starting mix as they require light to germinate. Consistent moisture and warmth, around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 Celsius), will aid in successful germination, which usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. It's critical to provide adequate light for seedlings to prevent legginess and promote strong, compact growth. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be carefully potted on and eventually moved to their final location in the garden.
