Larkspur Delphinium 'Can-can'
ABOUT
The Delphinium 'Can-can' features a stunning display of vibrant flowers that are typically a blend of rich colors, with hues that can range from deep blues and purples to lighter pinks and whites, creating a mesmerizing gradient effect. Each flower is intricately shaped with a series of petals that surround a central pistil, lending a distinctive and ornate appearance that is characteristic of the species. The flowers are assembled on tall, erect spires that rise with grace and poise, giving the plant an air of elegance and vertical interest. The foliage of the Delphinium 'Can-can' is a lush green with leaves that are deeply lobed, often creating a textured appearance as they spread out from the central stem. Each leaf offers a pleasant backdrop to the striking flowers, contributing to the plant’s overall fullness and greenery. This plant is known for its contribution to garden aesthetics, often serving as a backdrop or a focal point, due to its colorful and statuesque flower spikes that seem to dance in the wind, hence the name 'Can-can', reminiscent of the high-energy and flamboyant French dance of the same name.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Can-can'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, particularly the Delphinium 'Can-can', is highly toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain various alkaloids, mainly delphinine, that can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort, muscular weakness, and paralysis of the respiratory system which can be fatal. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It can also lead to disturbances in heart rhythm and rate, potentially resulting in death.
To pets
Larkspur is similarly toxic to pets as it is to humans. If animals such as dogs or cats ingest any part of a Delphinium 'Can-can', they could experience symptoms like drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases of larkspur poisoning can lead to muscle tremors, respiratory distress, paralysis, and it can be fatal if the nervous system is affected and treatment is not provided promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetically Pleasing: Delphiniums are known for their vibrant colors and tall spikes of flowers, which can add height and dramatic effect to any garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: They are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that aid in the pollination of gardens.
- Seasonal Color: Delphiniums provide seasonal blooms that can help to create a succession of color throughout the growing season.
- Cutting Garden Staple: The flowers are excellent for cutting and can create beautiful indoor floral arrangements.
- Vertical Interest: Their tall growth habit can be used to create vertical layers in the garden, adding dimension to planting designs.
- Versatile Planting Options: Delphiniums can be planted in borders, cottage gardens, and even in containers for patio or balcony gardens.
- Cold Hardy: Being perennial, they are capable of withstanding cold climates and can come back year after year with the proper care.
- Color Variety: Delphinium 'Can-can' comes in a variety of colors, allowing gardeners to choose the perfect hue to complement their garden palette.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The tall and sturdy stalks of the delphinium can serve as natural supports for climbing plants when placed in close proximity.
- Delphinium petals are sometimes used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues of blue and purple depending on the mordant used.
- The plant can be incorporated into a compost heap, as the non-toxic parts decompose and enrich the compost with nutrients.
- Delphinium flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art pieces or to create decorative bookmarks and cards.
- In the language of flowers, delphiniums symbolize openness to new experiences and can be used in bouquets to convey this sentiment.
- Dried delphinium flowers are often used in potpourri mixes for their color and to add volume.
- Delphinium flowers are sometimes used in ceremonies, such as weddings or celebrations, as natural confetti when dried and crushed.
- The flowers can be used as a natural fabric freshener when placed in a sachet and tucked into drawers or hung in closets.
- Delphinium seed pods can be used in dried flower arrangements to add an interesting texture and shape to the composition.
- Gardeners might use trimmed delphinium stems as natural row markers in vegetable gardens to differentiate between plantings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDelphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDelphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Big-heartedness: Delphiniums are often associated with a feeling of being light-hearted and possessing a positive, open attitude towards others.
- New opportunities: These flowers can symbolize new opportunities or a new beginning, encouraging an individual to embrace change and fresh starts.
- Protection: In some traditions, delphiniums are carried to ward off dangers and protect against misfortune.
- Celebrating achievements: The plant's tall and striking appearance is akin to reaching for great heights, which can represent the celebration of success or achievement.
- Ardent attachment: Their vivid colors and dramatic spikes convey a message of strong passion and intense emotional bonds.
WaterLarkspur 'Can-can' should be watered deeply and thoroughly about once a week, providing the equivalent of 1 inch of rain. This typically translates to about 0.623 gallons per square foot every week. During hot or windy weather, the plants may need additional water, but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. It is best to water these plants at the base to keep moisture off the foliage and blossoms, which helps to prevent disease.
LightLarkspur 'Can-can' thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers a location where it can enjoy uninterrupted sun exposure throughout the morning and afternoon. If you live in a particularly hot climate, providing some light shade during the peak heat of the day can help protect the plant from excessive stress.
TemperatureLarkspur 'Can-can' enjoys moderate to cool temperatures and performs best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as freezing for short periods, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32°F can be damaging. Ideal growing conditions are achieved when nighttime temperatures stay above 40°F but remain below 60°F.
PruningLarkspur 'Can-can' benefits from pruning to shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. After the first flush of flowers fades, cut back the flower stalks to just above a set of leaves or buds to stimulate a second bloom. Prune away any dead or damaged stems and leaves throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Can-can' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, organic compost, and a bit of sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Regular amendments with organic matter can help maintain the best soil conditions for this plant.
RepottingLarkspur 'Can-can' generally does not need frequent repotting; it may only require repotting every 2 to 3 years. However, if the plant becomes too large for its container or the soil seems depleted, it's time for a fresh pot and new soil.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Can-can' prefers moderate humidity levels. While it can tolerate some variation in humidity, maintaining the level around 40-60% is optimal for this plant's health and to mimic the conditions it would experience outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Delphinium 'Can-can', commonly known as Larkspur, begins with seed germination which occurs in early spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, seedlings develop into juvenile plants with characteristic dissected leaves. As the Larkspur matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it develops a strong stem and an abundance of foliage, preparing for the reproductive phase. During the flowering stage in late spring to summer, it produces tall spikes of colorful flowers, which attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the plant produces fruit in the form of follicles containing seeds that mature, then are dispersed by wind or gravity later in the season. As a perennial, after the plant’s above-ground parts die back in the fall, the root system survives the winter to begin a new cycle in the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Delphinium 'Can-can', commonly known as Larkspur, is often propagated through seed sowing. The best time to propagate them by seeds is in late winter to early spring. To propagate Larkspur by seed, one should first chill the seeds in a refrigerator for about a week to stratify them. After stratification, sow the seeds thinly onto the surface of well-draining seed starting mix and lightly cover with soil. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should not be buried deeply. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the seed tray in a warm area, around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), until germination, which typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. After seedlings develop true leaves and there is no risk of frost, they can be transplanted outdoors to a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil.
