Delphinium Delphinium 'Rosemary Brock'
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Rosemary Brock' is known for its striking beauty, characterized by tall spikes of flowers that are a soothing shade of lavender to pale blue. The blooms are densely packed along the spike, and each individual flower is shaped like a small trumpet or cup with a prominent central bee, or "eye," which is often a contrasting color such as white or black. The petals have a silky, delicate texture, and the flowers come together to create a visually impactful display. The foliage of the 'Rosemary Brock' is equally attractive, featuring lush, deeply cut, palmate leaves that are a rich green color, giving a perfect backdrop for the spectacular blooms. Overall, the plant has an elegant and stately appearance, with the flower spikes rising majestically from the mounding cushion of green leaves below, bringing an air of sophistication to any garden setting where they are planted. The striking colors and regal posture make the Delphinium 'Rosemary Brock' a favorite among gardeners and a standout in floral displays.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Rosemary Brock'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Delphinium 'Rosemary Brock' is larkspur. Larkspur is toxic to humans, and all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. The plant contains several toxic alkaloids, including delphinine, which can cause neuromuscular paralysis leading to respiratory failure and death if consumed in large enough quantities. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscular spasms, paralysis, and cardiac complications. Care should be taken to prevent ingestion, especially in children, who might be attracted to the plant's showy flowers.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, with similar effects as those observed in humans. Ingestion of any part of the plant by pets such as dogs, cats, or horses can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include drooling, loss of appetite, weakness, abdominal pain, muscular tremors, stiffness, convulsions, and possible cardiac failure. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal. Pet owners should ensure their animals do not have access to this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
Spread
2 feet 6 inches (76 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Delphinium 'Rosemary Brock' adds striking vertical interest to gardens with its tall spires of rose-pink flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: This plant can be used in a variety of garden designs, including cottage gardens, borders, and as a backdrop for lower-growing plants.
- Seasonal Interest: Delphiniums provide vibrant blooms in late spring to early summer, filling a bloom gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials.
- Cut Flowers: The stems of 'Rosemary Brock' are excellent for cutting and creating floral arrangements, adding beauty indoors.
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 fabric dye: The blossoms of the Delphinium can be used to create shades of blue or purple dye for coloring textiles.
- In photography: The vibrant flowers can serve as an attractive and colorful subject for botanical photography.
- For ink making: The pigments from Delphinium flowers can be used in the preparation of natural inks for drawing or calligraphy.
- In art installations: Delphinium blooms can be integrated into art installations because of their striking appearance and height.
- As a companion plant: Delphiniums can be planted near vegetables in a garden to attract pollinators, which benefit the growth of the crops.
- In educational settings: The plant can be used as a teaching tool for botany and horticulture students to study plant structure and growth habits.
- For floral water: The petals of the Delphinium can be steeped in water to create a lightly scented floral water, though it should not be ingested and should be used for external purposes such as a room fragrance or linen spray.
- As a colorant in crafts: Crushed Delphinium petals can be used to add color to homemade paper or potpourri blends.
- In festive decor: Delphinium flowers can be used to create garlands or other decorations for celebrations such as weddings or garden parties.
- For bookmarks: Dried Delphinium flowers can be laminated or pressed within pages to create decorative bookmarks.
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 the plant's tall and sturdy spike, which can symbolize standing firm against challenges.
- Opportunity: The name "delphinium" is derived from the Greek word "delphis," meaning dolphin, which was associated with the protective god, Apollo, and symbolizes seizing opportunities and embarking on new journeys.
- Openness to New Experiences: Delphinium's expansive growth and varied colors are seen as an invitation for exploring new horizons and embracing change.
- Ardent Attachment: In the language of flowers, delphiniums can represent a bold and passionate attachment, possibly due to their vibrant and conspicuous flowers.
- Levity and Lightness: The airiness of the plant's foliage and the height at which the flowers soar above the garden can stand for a sense of levity and joyfulness.
- Youth and Renewal: Since delphiniums bloom in early to mid-summer, they are often seen as symbols of youth and the renewal that the season brings.
- Fun: The striking and playful appearance of the delphinium's blooms can also represent a lighter, fun aspect of life, suggesting enjoyment and a carefree attitude.
- Heavenly Aspirations: Historical symbolism sometimes references the delphinium's spiked shape pointing upwards as seeking the heavens, thus symbolizing lofty thoughts and aspiration.
- Vibrant Life: The rich colors and the lushness of the delphinium evoke the essence of vitality and living life to the fullest.
- Memorial: Sometimes, delphiniums are used to commemorate lost loved ones or to honor their memory, exuding grace and dignity.
WaterLarkspur, commonly known as Rosemary Brock, should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture. Generally, providing 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week is adequate to maintain healthy growth. It's important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and does not remain waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering to avoid overhydration.
LightLarkspur thrives best in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It should be placed in a location where it can enjoy the morning sun, which is less intense and beneficial for its growth. Avoid planting it in deep shade, as this would reduce flowering and potentially cause poor plant health.
TemperatureDelphinium 'Rosemary Brock' prefers moderate temperatures, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but can tolerate a range from 50 to 85 degrees. They do not handle extreme heat or freezing temperatures well, ensuring winter protection or cool summer environments are crucial for their survival.
PruningPruning larkspur is essential to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. After the first flush of flowers fades, cut back the flower stalks by one-third to promote a second bloom. The best time for pruning to shape the plant is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Rosemary Brock' thrives in a soil mix that drains well but retains moisture, like a combination of loam, peat moss or compost, and coarse sand or perlite. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingLarkspur 'Rosemary Brock' doesn't generally require frequent repotting; do so every 2-3 years or if growth appears stunted, indicating root crowding.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Rosemary Brock' prefers moderate humidity and can tolerate the typical range found outdoors in its growing regions. Avoid overly dry air which can stress the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in well-lit room, avoid direct hot sun.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Delphinium 'Rosemary Brock', commonly known as Larkspur, begins its life as a seed, often sown in early spring or started indoors before the last frost. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and commence vegetative growth, developing a rosette of basal leaves and eventually elongating to produce distinctive tall spikes with deep green, palmately lobed foliage. As the plant matures, from late spring to early summer, it enters the flowering stage, showcasing impressive spires of rose-pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Following pollination, the flowers fade, and the plant produces fruit in the form of follicles containing small, black seeds which, when mature, can be collected for propagation or will self-sow if left unattended. In late summer to fall, the plant enters senescence, with aerial parts dying back, especially in colder climates, while the root system may remain dormant over winter. With the arrival of the next growing season, the Larkspur may regrow from the existing rootstock or from self-sown seeds, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Delphinium 'Rosemary Brock', commonly known as larkspur, is typically propagated by seed. The best time for sowing seeds is in spring when the soil has warmed up to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) or in late summer to early fall. To propagate, sow the seeds thinly in trays or pots using a well-drained soil mix. Cover them lightly with soil as they require darkness to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and expect germination to occur within 2 to 3 weeks. The young plants can be transplanted to their final location once they've developed several true leaves and there is no risk of frost. It's important to acclimate the seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions to avoid shock, a process known as hardening off.
