Larkspur Delphinium 'Sunkissed'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Sunkissed' is a captivating plant, primarily known for its tall and graceful flower spikes adorned with a profusion of blossoms. The flowers are a standout feature, typically arriving in a delightful array of pastel colors that may include shades of yellow, peach, or creamy hues, sometimes with subtle color gradients that enhance their visual appeal. These blooms are arranged densely along the spikes, giving the impression of a colorful, vertical display that adds an eye-catching element to any garden. The plant displays a lush backdrop of foliage, composed of deeply lobed leaves that are typically a rich, dark green. These leaves form a neat and tidy base from which the flower spikes emerge, offering a contrast in both color and texture to the softness of the flowers. The leaves are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also provide a sturdy foundation that complements the upright stature of the flower spikes. Delphinium 'Sunkissed' is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest to their planting schemes. Its striking floral spikes can serve as a focal point in a mixed border and are also frequently used to create a backdrop for other lower-growing plants. The overall appearance of this plant is one of elegance and enchantment, with the ability to infuse a garden space with a sense of height, structure, and a burst of pastel beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Sunkissed'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the Delphinium 'Sunkissed', is highly toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids which can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to respiratory failure and death due to cardiotoxic and neuromuscular-blocking effects.
To pets
Larkspur is also highly toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs, with all parts of the plant containing dangerous alkaloids. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning in pets include drooling, frequent urination, diarrhea, muscle weakness, tremors, and possibly seizures. Serious cases can progress to respiratory failure, paralysis, and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Delphinium 'Sunkissed' offers stunning spikes of colorful blooms that can add height and a touch of elegance to any garden arrangement.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of garden styles, including cottage gardens, borders, and cutting gardens.
- Cut Flowers: The long stems and vibrant flowers make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: With its summer blooming season, Delphinium 'Sunkissed' adds color and interest to gardens during the warmer months.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other perennials and annuals, making it a good candidate for mixed bed plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Delphiniums are often used in the art of pressing flowers, where their vibrant petals retain color well and can create stunning designs in pressed flower crafts.
- In the Victorian language of flowers, delphiniums symbolize big-heartedness, fun, lightness, and levity, making them ideal for communicating these sentiments in floral arrangements.
- Delphinium petals can be used to make a natural dye for textiles, giving fabrics a range of blue and purple hues.
- These plants are used as a background structure in garden beds because of their height, helping to add depth and dimension to garden landscapes.
- The stalks of delphiniums, being hollow, can sometimes be used in small-scale modeling or as natural straws in children's play settings.
- Delphiniums can provide a habitat for beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, which are enticed by their nectar-rich blooms.
- These flowers can serve as a marker of the seasons in temperate gardens, indicating the peak of summer when they typically bloom.
- The towering spikes of delphiniums are sometimes employed in garden fencing or borders, where their height can discourage small animals from encroaching on garden spaces.
- In floral language narratives or story-gardens, delphiniums can be used to represent concepts like reaching for one's goals due to their upward growth pattern.
- Delphinium flowers are a popular choice for adding a pop of color to water features in a garden, as they can reflect beautifully on the water surface when planted alongside ponds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fun and Levity: Delphiniums, including the 'Sunkissed' variety, are known for their playful and whimsical appearance, which often brings a lighthearted vibe to gardens and floral arrangements.
- Big-Heartedness: The generous clusters of blooms on delphinium stalks symbolize a heart that is open and overflowing with positivity and kindness.
- Protective: Historically, delphiniums were believed to ward off dangers and evil spirits, symbolizing a protective quality.
- Ardent Attachment: The strong and tall stance of the delphinium, coupled with its lush blooms, is symbolic of an ardent, passionate attachment, often used to represent feelings of love.
- New Beginnings: As delphiniums are often among the first to bloom in the season, they come to represent fresh starts and new opportunities.
- Striving for Success: The upward direction in which the delphinium grows is seen as a symbol for reaching out for one's goals and striving to succeed.
WaterLarkspur plants prefer moist but well-drained soil. They should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, watering may be needed more frequently to ensure that the soil doesn't completely dry out. It is important to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spots and other fungal diseases. Typically, applying about 1 inch of water, which is approximately 0.6 gallons per square foot, every week is sufficient for maintaining healthy larkspurs.
LightLarkspur thrives in locations with full sun to partial shade. The plants do best when they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot is one that gets the morning sun but is sheltered from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers moderate temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 7. The ideal temperature range for larkspurs is between 50°F and 65°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to -30°F and maximum temperatures up to 85°F, but extreme temperatures can stress the plants and affect their growth and flowering.
PruningPrune larkspurs to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage a second bloom in the fall. After the first killing frost, cut back the plants to a few inches above the ground. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Sunkissed' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. A mixture of loam, peat, and coarse sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration. The optimal pH range for larkspurs is slightly alkaline, around 6.8 to 7.5.
RepottingLarkspur 'Sunkissed' typically doesn't require frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant. Repot every 2-3 years, or if you notice the plant has outgrown its current container and the soil is depleted.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Sunkissed' prefers moderate humidity levels; it does not require special humidity conditions and can thrive in the natural outdoor humidity in most temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and cool temperatures for indoor larkspurs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, cool climate.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Delphinium 'Sunkissed', commonly known as the Perennial larkspur, begins with seed germination which can take place either in spring or late winter under the right conditions of light and temperature. Following germination, the plant progresses into the vegetative stage where it develops characteristic green foliage and stems. As it matures, the Perennial larkspur enters the flowering stage, usually in early to mid-summer, producing tall spikes of densely clustered flowers ranging from pale to deep blue. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers give way to seed pods, and once ripened, these pods release seeds that can propagate new plants. In autumn, the above-ground part of the plant dies back, while the root system remains dormant during the winter. With the return of favorable weather conditions the next spring, the plant exits dormancy, resumes growth, and the cycle repeats.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Delphinium 'Sunkissed', commonly known as Larkspur, is best propagated through seed. The ideal time to sow Larkspur seeds is in the spring, following the last frost when the soil has warmed. For gardeners in colder climates, sowing seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date is an alternative. Seeds should be surface-sown onto well-draining soil and not covered, as they require light to germinate. Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged is key during the germination period, which can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted outdoors after a period of hardening off to reduce transplant shock.
