Larkspur Delphinium 'Purple Passion' (New Millennium Series)
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Purple Passion' from the New Millennium Series presents a striking display of vibrant purple flowers. These blossoms stand out with their rich hue and are tightly packed along towering spires atop the plant. Each individual flower appears almost like a little cap or a cup, with a central bee, or eye, that contrasts in color, often appearing as a lighter or darker shade. Surrounding the central petals are a set of guard petals, which may fan out slightly, highlighting the flower's overall shape. The foliage of the plant is equally attractive, with leaves that are deeply cut and divided into narrow segments, creating a delicate, lacy look. The leaves are generally a rich, medium green, offering a lush backing to the striking floral display above. This foliage often forms a bushy, mounded base from which the flower stalks arise. The overall impression of Delphinium 'Purple Passion' is one of vertical drama and color intensity, with the purple blooms forming a regal display that can add a touch of elegance to any garden space. The color itself would range from a deep, royal purple to a softer lavender, depending on various factors such as light and growing conditions. The pleasing contrast between the vivid blossoms and the soft, ferny leaves makes this plant a distinct and eye-catching specimen within a garden's tapestry.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Purple Passion' New Millennium Series.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the Delphinium 'Purple Passion', is poisonous to humans. If ingested, it can cause a range of symptoms due to the presence of toxic alkaloids such as delphinine. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis of the respiratory system. Severe poisoning cases can be fatal if not treated promptly, as the respiratory muscle paralysis can lead to suffocation.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, particularly dogs, cats, and horses. Ingesting this plant can lead to similar symptoms as in humans, including nausea, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, stiffness, seizures, and potentially fatal respiratory paralysis. It is crucial to keep pets away from larkspur and to seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Striking Visual Appeal: Delphiniums are known for their beautiful spires of vibrant purple flowers that add vertical interest to garden landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: These plants tend to bloom in late spring to early summer, filling the garden with color when many other plants have not yet peaked.
- Good Cut Flowers: The long stems and striking flowers make delphiniums excellent for cutting and creating bouquets or indoor floral arrangements.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Given their height and color, they are ideal for use as background plants in borders or for adding depth to flower beds.
- Deer Resistance: Delphiniums are somewhat resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a common problem for gardeners.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Their traditional appearance is quintessential in cottage-style gardens, contributing to a charming and nostalgic garden aesthetic.
- Companion Planting: Delphiniums pair well with other perennials and annuals, allowing for creative and harmonious garden designs.
- Commemorative Planting: As a perennial, delphiniums can be used to create long-lasting memorial gardens or tribute spaces within the landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Architectural Focal Point: Delphiniums, with their height and striking blooms, can be used as a natural architectural element in garden designs.
- Informal Screening: By planting them in clusters, delphiniums can provide a semi-transparent screen, perfect for subtly dividing different areas of the garden.
- Photography: Delphiniums make for an excellent subject in flower photography due to their vibrant colors and stately appearance.
- Fairy Gardens: Smaller varieties of delphiniums can be used in a fairy garden to create a whimsical, miniature landscape.
- Agricultural Research: Delphiniums might be used in horticultural studies to understand vertical growth patterns and the effects of staking in plant cultivation.
- Educational Tools: The distinct layers of a delphinium's blooms can help in teaching botany and the biology of flowers.
- Art Inspiration: The vibrant purple color of Delphinium 'Purple Passion' can inspire artists for paintings, textile designs, or other art projects.
- Culinary Decoration: Even though they're not edible, their petals can be used temporarily as decorative elements on plates or around desserts in high-end culinary presentations, with caution to remove before consumption.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of delphiniums can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative in outdoor celebrations.
- Lure for Pollinators: They can serve as a strategic plant to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to gardens, which benefits the overall ecosystem.
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: Delphinium 'Purple Passion' signifies an openness to new experiences and adventures. Its robust growth and vibrant blooms suggest enthusiasm for embracing what lies ahead.
- Protection: Historically, delphiniums were believed to ward off negative energy and protect against danger, hence they are often associated with safety and protection.
- Arbitrary Affection: These stately flowers often represent an attachment or feeling of affection towards someone, signifying strong bonds and deep emotional connections.
- Celebrating Achievements: The plant's proud stance and towering spikes of flowers can be symbolic of reaching new heights and celebrating achievements and success.
WaterLarkspur 'Purple Passion' thrives when the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered deeply once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water, ensuring the soil is saturated to a depth of at least 6 inches. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice per week. Adjust the amount and frequency of watering based on rainfall and temperature, reducing water when the plant receives adequate moisture from rain or when the weather is cool. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightLarkspur 'Purple Passion' requires full sun to part shade to flourish, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives morning sunlight and is partially shaded in the afternoon. This lighting condition helps to maintain vibrant flower colors and supports healthy growth.
TemperatureLarkspur 'Purple Passion' prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a temperature range from 40°F to 75°F. The ideal conditions for this plant are daytime temperatures around 65°F to 70°F. It is important to protect the plant from extreme heat and frost, as temperatures above 85°F or below 40°F can be detrimental to its health.
PruningLarkspur 'Purple Passion' should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks, which encourages reblooming and maintains a neat appearance. Deadheading, or removing the spent blooms, should be done regularly throughout the blooming period. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, when you should cut back the previous year's growth to ground level to promote healthy new shoots.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Purple Passion' thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix could include equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage and fertility. Regular amendment with organic matter such as compost will help maintain soil health and support the plant's growth.
RepottingLarkspurs, particularly the 'Purple Passion', typically do not need frequent repotting as they are perennial plants best grown outdoors. However, if you're growing them in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot to refresh the soil and provide more room for growth.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Purple Passion' prefers moderate humidity levels, similar to the ambient outdoor humidity found in its native habitat. They do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in cool, bright area away from direct heat.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Delphinium 'Purple Passion' begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in the spring after the last frost, emerging as small seedlings. As temperatures warm, these seedlings develop into rosettes of foliage near the ground, while also growing their root system. Gradually, the plants enter a vigorous vegetative growth phase, producing tall, sturdy stems and a profusion of deeply lobed leaves. By early to mid-summer, the Delphinium 'Purple Passion' reaches the flowering stage, displaying spikes of vibrant purple flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, if the flowers are left to mature, they will produce seeds by late summer, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to fall and potentially self-sow. As winter approaches, the plant's aerial parts die back, while the root system enters dormancy to survive the cold, completing the annual cycle and ready to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Delphinium 'Purple Passion' from the New Millennium Series is typically propagated through seed sowing. Start the process by sowing the seeds directly into a seed-starting mix, covering them with a thin layer not more than 1/8 inch (about 3mm) deep. This is often done in the spring after the danger of frost has passed or indoors several weeks before the last expected frost in your area. The seeds usually germinate best at temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Keep the soil moist but not overly wet to encourage germination. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are strong enough to handle, they should be transplanted to individual pots and gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final garden location.
