Larkspur Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' (New Millennium Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Pagan Purples', part of the New Millennium Series, is a striking perennial known for its richly hued flowers that are a deep, velvety purple. The blooms are densely packed on spikes, creating a bold and dramatic display that can add a vertical accent to garden beds. These flowers typically have a contrasting white or light-colored bee, which is the central part of the flower where the stamens and pistils are located, adding to its eye-catching appearance. The foliage of this plant forms a bushy clump of deeply lobed leaves that are a medium green color, offering a lush backdrop to the tall flowering spikes. The leaves can have a slightly glossy look, and their deep lobes provide a textured, almost fern-like quality to the vegetation at the base of the plant. The flowers of the Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which find the tubular shape and rich coloration particularly inviting. Blooming in early to mid-summer, the impressive flower spikes provide a captivating vertical element to any garden, drawing the eye upward with their vibrant color and elegant form.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Candle Larkspur, Candle Delphinium.
Common names
Delphinium elatum 'Pagan Purples'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including Delphinium 'Pagan Purples', is toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weakness. Severe poisoning can result in muscle tremors, respiratory difficulties, paralysis, and even death due to cardiotoxic effects. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Larkspur is toxic to pets as well. If a pet consumes any part of the larkspur plant, they may exhibit signs of poisoning such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and incoordination. In severe cases, ingestion can cause respiratory failure, cardiac abnormalities, and potentially be fatal. Urgent veterinary care is necessary if a pet has ingested larkspur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' offers striking deep purple flowers that add dramatic color to garden landscapes.
- Vertical interest: The tall spikes provide vertical structure and contrast to other garden plants with different growth habits.
- Attracts pollinators: Its blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Cut flower use: The flowers are excellent for cutting and creating vibrant and attractive floral arrangements.
- Seasonal color: This plant offers seasonal blooms, typically in early summer, adding timely beauty to the garden.
- Garden design versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including cottage gardens, borders, and formal beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Delphinium can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, yielding a range of blue and purple hues.
- In photography: Delphinium flowers, with their vivid colors, are often used in macro photography to enhance the visual appeal of floral photo collections.
- Bee attractant: Gardeners may plant Delphiniums to attract pollinators such as bees to their gardens, which can help improve the pollination of other plants.
- As a muse for artists: The striking appearance of Delphinium flowers often inspires painters, illustrators, and other visual artists in their work.
- In craft projects: Dried Delphinium blooms can be incorporated into various craft projects, including potpourri mixes or homemade paper.
- As decorative cake toppings: Edible flowers like Delphiniums can embellish cakes and desserts, adding a touch of elegance and color.
- In educational settings: Delphiniums are used to teach botany and horticulture students about plant anatomy and growth habits.
- As floral art: Dried Delphinium stems can be arranged to create three-dimensional art pieces or mixed-media compositions.
- For color-themed gardening: Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' can be used in gardens designed around a purple color scheme, providing a thematic visual experience.
- In butterfly gardens: They can serve as nectar sources for butterflies, adding to the biodiversity and ecological value of a garden space.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Delphiniums are often associated with protection due to their towering presence and were historically used to ward off threats and negative spirits.
- Open-heartedness: The open bloom of the delphinium represents an open heart and the ability to embrace new experiences and people without judgment.
- Arrogance or boldness: In some cultures, delphiniums symbolize boldness or arrogance, as they stand out with their striking height and brilliant colors.
- Heavenly: The name "delphinium" comes from the Greek word "delphis," meaning dolphin, which was believed to have a connection to the heavens. They are linked to spirituality and an elevated state of being.
- Joy and fun: The playful and vibrant nature of the flower is often interpreted as a symbol of lightheartedness, joy, and having a positive outlook on life.
- Health and wellness: Delphinium's medicinal qualities in traditional uses translate to a symbolic meaning of well-being and general health.
- Opportunity: Due to their growth that reaches for the skies, these plants often symbolize growth and the seizing of opportunities, especially as they bloom around the summer solstice.
WaterLarkspur prefers regular watering, especially during dry spells, but it's important to avoid waterlogging. Water the plants deeply once a week with about 1 inch of water, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons for a typical garden plot. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface. During extremely hot periods, you may need to water twice a week, keeping an eye on the soil moisture levels. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent disease; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant.
LightLarkspur thrives best in full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can lead to weak stems and sparse blooms. For optimal growth and flowering, plant your Delphinium in a location where it will receive morning sunlight and afternoon brightness, avoiding heavy afternoon shade.
TemperatureLarkspur performs best in cooler climates with temperatures typically ranging between 50°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 40°F, but frost can be damaging, and a hard freeze will kill the plant. They struggle in high heat, and temperatures consistently above 85°F can cause stress and inhibit flowering. Ideally, maintain the plant in a cool spot with good air circulation to prevent disease.
PruningFor Larkspur, pruning helps maintain a neat appearance, encourages bushier growth, and can promote a second blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period. Cut back the flower stalks to ground level at the end of the blooming season or after the first killing frost. If needed, thin out crowded stems in the spring to improve air circulation. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Pagan Purples' thrive in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, is ideal. The best soil mix should contain equal parts of garden soil, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingLarkspur 'Pagan Purples' being perennial, do not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. They should only be repotted if they outgrow their current container or if the soil becomes exhausted, typically every 3 to 4 years.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Pagan Purples' prefer moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a wide range. Aim for humidity levels between 40-60% for optimal growth. Avoid overly humid conditions as this can encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, cool temps, moist soil, and good airflow for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, use well-draining soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium, commonly known as larkspur, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown and germinate, typically requiring cold stratification to break dormancy. After germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a rosette of basal leaves, gradually maturing as they produce more foliage. The vegetative stage extends as stems elongate and the plant forms a robust framework of leaves and stems. Flowering occurs when the plant reaches maturity and exposure to appropriate environmental conditions triggers the development of tall flower spikes adorned with vibrant purple blooms. Following pollination, usually by bees or butterflies attracted to their showy flowers, fertilization takes place, and the plant produces seeds within small pods that eventually dry and release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, the delphinium will enter a dormancy phase in the colder months, dying back to the ground and then regrowing from its root system when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Delphinium 'Pagan Purples', which is part of the New Millennium Series, can be propagated by seed. The most popular method involves sowing the seeds directly into the soil early in the spring. The soil temperature should be maintained at around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) for optimal germination. Seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs in 2 to 3 weeks. Upon sprouting, seedlings need plenty of light to develop strong stems and roots before being transplanted to their permanent location in the garden. It is essential to handle the young plants carefully, as Delphiniums have a taproot system that is easily damaged.
