Larkspur Delphinium 'Walton Gemstone'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Walton Gemstone' is an ornamental plant known for its striking and vibrant flowers. The blooms come in various shades ranging from deep blues and purples to lighter hues, often with a contrasting white or dark bee (central part of the flower). These flowers are densely packed on tall spikes that rise above the foliage. The leaves of 'Walton Gemstone' are deeply lobed and have a somewhat lacy appearance. The foliage provides a lush, green backdrop that further accentuates the colorful spikes of flowers. The plant often has multiple flowering stems which create a bushy and abundant floral display. As a cultivar of garden Delphiniums, 'Walton Gemstone' is appreciated for its majestic and showy presence in garden beds and borders, and it is also a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to its striking coloration and form. The aesthetic of this plant lies in its combination of luxurious leafy growth and the vertical interest provided by the bloom-laden spikes that capture the eye.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Larkspur, Candle Larkspur, Candle Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Walton Gemstone'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Larkspur, which includes Delphinium 'Walton Gemstone', is toxic to humans. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds and young plants, contain poisonous alkaloids. Ingesting larkspur can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and muscular paralysis. Severe cases can lead to respiratory difficulties and may even be fatal if not treated promptly.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, ingestion of any part of the plant can cause symptoms in animals including salivation, diarrhea, muscle twitching, paralysis, and potentially, respiratory failure. This can be particularly dangerous for pets like dogs and cats and requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Delphinium 'Walton Gemstone', commonly known as Larkspur, is prized for its tall spires of colorful flowers that can add vertical interest to garden beds and borders.
- Attracts Pollinators: Larkspur is known for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: With its classic, stately appearance, Larkspur is a traditional favorite for cottage-style gardens, contributing to a charming and rustic aesthetic.
- Seasonal Color: Larkspur provides blooms typically in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, adding a splash of color to the garden in spring and early summer.
- Cut Flower Use: The flowers of Larkspur are excellent for cutting and arranging in bouquets, where they add height and structure to floral displays.
- Background Plant: Due to its height, Larkspur is an ideal background plant for mixed borders, making shorter plants stand out in contrast.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Delphinium, commonly known as Walton's Gemstone, can be used in photography to provide a vibrant, natural backdrop due to its striking blue flowers.
- The stems of delphinium can be incorporated into homemade paper to add texture and color variations to the final product.
- Delphinium petals can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics, offering hues of blue depending on the mordant used.
- The flowers can be used in potpourri mixes to provide a subtle note of color and a light, floral fragrance to a room.
- Fresh delphinium flowers can be frozen in ice cubes to add an ornamental touch to beverages during special events.
- Pressed delphinium flowers can be used in crafts such as resin jewelry, where their color can be preserved and showcased.
- The tall spikes of the plant can be used as natural supports for other, more delicate plants that may require staking.
- Delphinium flowers can be used as a natural indicator of pH when experimenting with homemade pH test kits, as some flowers change color in different pH environments.
- These flowers can be arranged in educational settings to teach students about plant anatomy and pollination due to their distinct structure.
- Delphinium can be used in themed gardens to represent the concept of 'water' in color and form due to its blue, flowing appearance reminiscent of water.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Protection: Delphinium, also known as Larkspur, often symbolizes protection. This association comes from ancient Greek mythology, where it was believed to ward off scorpions.
- Openness and lightness: The airy quality of its blooms suggests a sense of openness and lightness, similar to the carefree nature of a lark, which is reflected in the name "Larkspur."
- Ardent attachment: The Delphinium's bold and vibrant blooms can signify an ardent attachment, indicating strong bonds of love and passion.
- Opportunity: Some cultures interpret Delphiniums as symbols of opportunity, encouraging people to take positive steps towards achieving their goals.
- Celebrating positive communication: The Delphinium's stately spike, which stands out in a garden, is seen as a symbol of positive communication and the flow of thoughts and ideas.
- Health and wellness: Historically, Delphiniums have been associated with health and wellness, although they are actually toxic if ingested.
- Water
Larkspur requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The method of watering should ensure that water goes deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth; avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Each watering should consist of 1 gallon of water per plant to ensure proper soil moisture at root level. During particularly hot or windy periods, monitor the soil moisture closely and increase watering frequency if necessary.
- Light
Delphiniums thrive best in locations where they receive full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. The ideal spot would be one that offers morning sunlight and some protection from strong afternoon sun, which can be too intense during the hottest parts of the summer. However, they require ample sunlight to develop strong stems and vibrant blooms, so shaded or overly dim areas should be avoided.
- Temperature
Larkspurs are cool-season perennials and prefer temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can tolerate short periods of cooler weather, with a minimum temperature threshold of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but are not suited for extreme heat. Extended temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can stunt growth and diminish flowering. They should be planted in a spot with good air circulation to help mitigate temperature extremes.
- Pruning
Pruning larkspur is essential for maintaining plant health and encouraging a second bloom. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done after the first bloom to promote a second wave of flowers. Cut back the flower stalks to the base of the plant at the end of the blooming season to encourage strong growth for the next year. Pruning is typically done in the late summer or fall after flowering has completed.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Larkspur 'Walton Gemstone' thrives in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, compost, and a bit of sand is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrient content.
- Repotting
Larkspurs, such as the 'Walton Gemstone', do not typically require frequent repotting as they are usually grown as annuals or biennials. If grown in containers, repotting may be done every 1-2 years to refresh the soil.
- Humidity & Misting
Larkspur 'Walton Gemstone' prefers moderate humidity levels. Avoid overly humid conditions as this can lead to fungal issues. Consistently maintaining around 40-60% relative humidity is suitable for this plant.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for Larkspur indoors.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil for Larkspur outdoors.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
- Life cycle
The Delphinium 'Walton Gemstone', commonly known as Larkspur, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate, typically in the early spring after a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. The seedlings develop true leaves and establish a small root system. As the plant grows, it develops a sturdy stem and a rosette of basal leaves; it then elongates and produces flowering spikes in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees attracted to the showy flowers, the plant sets seed in elongated pods. Once the seeds are mature, they are dispersed, and the parent plant begins to die back as it enters dormancy, especially in regions with cold winters. The cycle resumes with the next growing season, as the plant can be a short-lived perennial or may reseed itself if conditions are suitable.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring
Propogation: The Delphinium 'Walton Gemstone', commonly referred to as a Larkspur, is typically propagated through seed. The ideal time for sowing Delphinium seeds is in late winter to early spring, aiming to plant after the risk of frost has passed, to allow for adequate growth before the onset of summer heat. To propagate by seed, the gardener should sow them thinly in a well-drained, finely sifted soil mix, covering lightly with a sprinkling of soil or vermiculite. Seeds generally require a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius) to germinate effectively and may take 2-3 weeks to sprout. Once seedlings have grown enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots before eventually being moved to their final position in the garden.