Larkspur Delphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon'
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon' is a striking perennial that showcases tall spikes densely packed with semi-double flowers of a vivid blue hue, which often have a hint of lavender. The bloom gives the garden a vertical interest, exuding a sense of elegance and height without specifying how tall the plant actually gets. The individual flowers are delicate and intricate with a center known as a "bee" which is often a slightly different shade, providing a beautiful contrast against the blue petals. The plant's foliage is divided into deep green, palmately lobed leaves which create a lush backdrop for the bold floral spikes that typically bloom in the early summer. The overall look of this Delphinium cultivar is regal and adds a touch of sophistication to any planting scheme.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Larkspur, Candle Larkspur, Candle Delphinium
Common names
Delphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, including the Delphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon', contains toxic alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested. All parts of the plant are poisonous, including the seeds. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, it can result in respiratory failure and death. Medical attention should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, such as dogs, cats, and horses. The alkaloids present in all parts of the plant can lead to symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and possibly cardiac failure. Especially for horses, larkspur poisoning is a serious concern and can be life-threatening. If a pet ingests larkspur, immediate veterinary care is crucial.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Delphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon', commonly known as Larkspur, produces striking blue flowers that enhance the visual beauty of gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its vibrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Vertical Interest: Larkspur's tall spikes add height and structure to garden beds, creating a varied and dynamic landscape.
- Seasonal Color: It provides a splash of color in the summer months when many other plants may not be in bloom.
- Companion Planting: Larkspur can be paired with a variety of other plants to create a diverse and complementary garden display.
- Cutting Garden Addition: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements to bring the garden's beauty indoors.
- Cottage Garden Style: It's an ideal choice for a traditional cottage garden due to its quintessential old-fashioned charm.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye source: The rich blue pigment of Delphinium petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and artworks.
- Frost protection indicator: Since Delphiniums are sensitive to frost, their health can indicate whether an unexpected frost has damaged other less observable crops.
- Photography prop: Delphinium's striking blue flowers are often used by photographers to add a pop of color and visual interest in garden photography.
- Flower arrangements: Delphinium's tall and showy spikes are popular in floral designs and can add height and structure to bouquets or centerpieces.
- Marker plants: Because Delphiniums have distinctive foliage and height, they can be used to mark boundaries or pathways in a garden setting.
- Theatrical uses: These flowers can be used as props or scenery in plays and films to create a specific aesthetic or time-period feel.
- Educational resource: Delphinium can be used by educators to teach botany, particularly the characteristics of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
- Insect habitat: Tall varieties of Delphinium can provide shelter for beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees within a garden.
- Culinary decoration: While not edible, Delphinium flowers can be used to elegantly decorate cakes and desserts, as long as they are removed before consumption.
- Companion planting: Delphinium can be planted alongside other plants as part of a companion planting strategy to attract pollinators.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Openness to New Experiences: Delphiniums, or Larkspurs, commonly symbolize an openness to new experiences and opportunities, much like the way their blooms reach upwards towards the sky.
- Big-Heartedness: With their lush, rounded spikes of flowers, Larkspurs are often associated with a feeling of lightness and a big heart, representing generosity and an overflow of emotions.
- Protection: In some traditions, Larkspurs are believed to symbolize protection and are thought to ward off negative energies or dangers, perhaps derived from their historical use in folklore.
- Ardent Attachment: Larkspurs are indicative of strong bonds of love, often used to express a deep level of attachment and passion towards someone.
- July Birth Flower: As the birth flower for the month of July, Larkspurs signify the joy and lightheartedness associated with summer birthdays, and the celebration of the vibrancy of life during this season.
WaterLarkspur, commonly known as Delphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon', should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the heat of summer, the watering frequency may increase to twice per week if the soil dries out quickly. When watering, provide enough water to soak the roots; this usually means about 1 to 1.5 gallons for established plants. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, so water at the base of the plant. During the winter, reduce watering to minimize the risk of root rot, especially if the soil remains wet for extended periods.
LightLarkspur thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for Larkspur 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon' would be a spot where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. In hotter climates, providing afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense, direct sunlight that could scorch the foliage.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit but is not frost-hardy and may not survive freezing conditions. During hot summer periods, ensure that the plant is adequately watered and protected from extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningLarkspur benefits from pruning to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers of Delphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon' throughout the blooming season to encourage additional blooms. In late fall or early winter, after the first frost, cut the plant back to ground level. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in spring to maintain vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLarkspur 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5. A mixture of loam, compost, and a small amount of sand is ideal to promote good drainage and provide essential nutrients.
RepottingLarkspur 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is a perennial. Repot every 2-3 years to replenish soil and accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, cool temp, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, use fertile, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon', commonly known as Larkspur, begins its life as a seed which after sowing germinates in cool temperatures. Upon sprouting, the seedlings develop into rosettes of foliage close to the ground, preparing for vertical growth. The vegetative stage follows, where stems elongate, and leaves mature, establishing the plant's framework. The next stage is the flowering period, typically in early summer, where tall spikes of vivid blue flowers bloom and attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, Larkspur may die back to the ground at the end of the growing season, with the root system surviving the winter to regenerate the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Delphinium 'Langdon's Blue Lagoon', commonly known as Larkspur, is best propagated by taking basal cuttings in spring when new shoots have emerged and are a few inches tall, typically 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters). Carefully remove a healthy shoot from the outer part of the plant, ensuring that each cutting has at least 2 or 3 sets of leaves. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant it in a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss, or a well-draining seed-starting mix. Water the cuttings gently, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil, and cover the pot with plastic to create a greenhouse effect. Keep the pot in indirect sunlight and wait for roots to form, which may take several weeks, before transferring the cuttings to individual pots.
