Larkspur Delphinium 'Royal Aspirations' (New Millennium Series)
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Royal Aspirations' from the New Millennium Series is known for its showy, majestic spikes adorned with densely packed florets. Its blooms are a rich shade of purple-blue, which can add a regal touch to any garden. The flowers are shaped like little trumpets, forming tall, elegant spires that command attention. The outer parts of the blooms have a slightly ruffled appearance, giving them a delicate texture, while the center, often called the "bee," is a contrasting white or dark color, drawing the eye and adding depth to the flower's appearance. The foliage of this plant consists of deeply cut, palmate leaves that are a rich green, creating a perfect backdrop for the striking flowers. This species typically blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a burst of cool color to the landscape. Overall, the Delphinium 'Royal Aspirations' is characterized by its spectacular towers of blooms that are a favorite for adding vertical interest to flower beds and borders.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Royal Aspirations'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the Delphinium 'Royal Aspirations', is highly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains several toxic alkaloids, with the most prominent being delphinine. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to severe gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, it can cause neuromuscular symptoms, including muscle weakness, tremors, and potentially paralysis. The cardiovascular system may also be affected, resulting in hypotension and possible heart rhythm disturbances. In severe cases, poisoning can lead to respiratory failure and death.
To pets
Larkspur is also poisonous to pets, particularly dogs, cats, and horses. If ingested, the plant can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, which may include symptoms like drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The neurotoxic effects can result in muscle tremors, weakness, stiffness, or even seizures. Respiratory distress and heart arrhythmias could also occur with significant ingestions. Larkspur poisoning can be life-threatening for pets and requires immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value - Known for its stunning spires of densely packed flowers, which add vertical interest and a splash of color to any garden.
- Attracts Pollinators - The flowers provide a rich nectar source that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Cut Flower Use - With long stems and striking blooms, it is ideal for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Variety of Colors - Comes in various shades including blues, purples, pinks, and whites, offering versatility in garden design.
- Improved Cultivar - As a New Millennium Series cultivar, it has been bred for stronger stems and more vigorous growth compared to traditional Delphinium varieties.
- Seasonal Interest - Provides seasonal interest from late spring to early summer and can be encouraged to rebloom in late summer or fall.
- Drought Resistance - Once established, it has a degree of drought resistance, making it suitable for gardens with limited water supply.
- Cold Hardy - Can withstand colder temperatures, making it suitable for many temperate climates.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant - Less palatable to deer and rabbits, which helps prevent damage from browsing animals.
- Structural Accent - The tall, elegant flower spikes can serve as a backdrop or focal point in mixed borders and garden beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Delphiniums are often used by photographers to add height and a pop of color in garden photography settings.
- Garden Path Borders: Tall delphiniums like the 'Royal Aspirations' can provide a dramatic border for garden pathways, guiding the walker's view.
- Educational Tool: These plants are sometimes used in educational settings to teach about plant reproduction, such as pollination and seed formation.
- Butterfly Gardens: Delphiniums attract butterflies, making them ideal for inclusion in butterfly garden designs to help support butterfly populations.
- Craft Material: The stems and flowers of delphiniums can be dried and used in crafting, such as in making dried flower arrangements or potpourri.
- Color Themes: Delphinium 'Royal Aspirations' can be used in gardens to maintain specific color themes, their vivid blue blossoms fitting well into blue or cool color palettes.
- Temporary Privacy Screen: When grown in clusters, these tall plants can provide a quick and natural privacy screen during the summer months in outdoor spaces.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not edible, the blooms can be used to garnish plates or decorate cakes in upscale restaurants for aesthetic purposes.
- Fabric Dye: Historically, plants in the delphinium family have been researched for their potential to be used as a natural fabric dye.
- Theater and Set Design: Due to their showy appearance, delphiniums can be used on theater sets to create a scene of an idyllic or fantasy garden.
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 have long been associated with protection due to their towering spires, which are seen as a protective barrier.
- Openness to New Experiences: The airy height of delphiniums represents an openness to new experiences and opportunities.
- Lightness and Levity: Their graceful form encourages a sense of lightness and levity, symbolizing an uplifting of the spirit.
- Achieving Goals: The 'Royal Aspirations' variety, with its regal name, symbolizes striving for and reaching personal or professional goals.
WaterLarkspur, commonly known as Delphinium, requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It's essential to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, providing one to two gallons of water each time to ensure it reaches the roots. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to maintain the moisture level. Adequate drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, so ensure the soil allows water to pass through effectively.
LightLarkspurs prefer full sun to partial shade, thriving best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An optimal spot would be one where the plant is exposed to the morning sun but shielded from the intense heat of late afternoon, especially in hotter climates. Adequate light is essential for the strongest growth and best flower production.
TemperatureLarkspurs are hardy in a range of temperatures but perform best in cool to moderate climates, ideally between 50°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F, but frost can damage the plant. On the higher end, temperatures nearing 80°F may stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in hot weather can be beneficial.
PruningPrune larkspurs to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. After the first flush of flowers fades, cut back the flower stalks by one-third to prompt a second blooming period. Prune dead or damaged stems anytime to maintain plant health. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Mix in aged manure or compost before planting for best results.
RepottingLarkspurs do not typically require repotting as they are perennial and prefer to stay undisturbed. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur thrives best in environments with moderate humidity, although it can tolerate a range of conditions and does not require high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place larkspur in bright indirect light, ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant larkspur in full sun, shelter from strong winds, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Larkspur 'Royal Aspirations' begins with seed germination, typically in spring after the last frost when soil temperatures warm up. Emerging seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a rosette of basal leaves, prioritizing root and foliage growth. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it develops taller stems and more leaves in preparation for flowering. The reproductive stage follows usually in early to mid-summer when stalks of colorful, spurred flowers bloom, attracting pollinators. After pollination, flowers produce seed capsules that mature, dry out, and release seeds for the next generation before the plant senesces. In colder climates, Larkspur 'Royal Aspirations' may die back to the ground in winter, behaving as a herbaceous perennial and regenerating from its crown the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Delphinium 'Royal Aspirations', often referred to as Larkspur, from the New Millennium Series is commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow these seeds is in late winter to early spring, when they can be exposed to cold conditions which helps break their dormancy, a process known as stratification. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds thinly on the surface of a pre-moistened, well-draining soil mix in a seed tray. The seeds of Delphinium 'Royal Aspirations' require light to germinate, so they should not be covered with additional soil. Instead, press them gently into the medium. The tray should then be placed in a bright, cool location, maintaining a temperature of around 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal germination. Keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged is crucial. Seedlings will typically emerge in 14 to 21 days but can sometimes take longer, so patience is key. Once seedlings are large enough to handle and after the danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to a sunny location with well-drained soil.
