All about Delphinium – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

Delphiniums are the type of flower that can thrive even in cold weather and moist climate. They are biennials, perennials, and annuals that came from a genus with more than 500 species. They have unique shapes and structures, and there are stunning colors to choose from for a wonderful hand bouquet on occasions and events. You can even go for a bouquet in a splash of colors mixed together and expect the recipient to enjoy it.

Delphinium is a flowering plant from the Ranunculaceae family with more than 500 species as of today. They can be used for health benefits but they can be deadly and poisonous to human beings and to animals.

• History of Delphinium

Delphiniums were believed in Greek mythology to be named after the famous temple, Delphi temple. The sun god, Apollo, favored well the flowers of Delphiniums in his temple. Because of this, people thought that flowers bring good luck.

Another Greek myth told about this flower was its name derivation. It was believed that Delphinium’s name was derived from the Greek word “delphis” or dolphin because of its unique shape similar to that of the dolphin.

On the other hand, to the English people, the flower is called Larkspur because they saw the claw of the larks in the shape of the flower. Meanwhile, other people in different places also call the flower “Queen of the Border” for its tall and proud structure.

Hybridization went through ups and downs but Reinelt and Vetterly joined hand in hand in developing new varieties. Charles Barber brought the Whites and Reinelt was joined by Samuelson to create red, pink, and orange ones. More varieties are expected to be developed in some parts of the world.

• Delphinium Meaning

Delphinium, the birth flower for the month of July, is a great flower to express positivity and openness. The flowers also convey joy, fun moments, and warm wishes. It is a perfect flower to give when you want to say good things to a person or when you want to encourage a person amidst trials and problems. It can be given to a traveler to symbolize safety and protection. To someone who needs comfort and support, this flower is also the perfect choice.

Available in different colors, Delphiniums may mean different things depending on the color. The blue delphiniums signify dignity and grace while the light blue one means youth and success. White Delphinium means innocence and purity while Pink and purple are meant for romance, love, royalty, and beauty.

• Facts About Delphinium

The flowers of Delphinium were significantly tied to Edward Steichen in modern culture. This is because he was known in the world of magazines and photography to be extremely passionate of the flower. He was one of the active breeders throughout the world. He also became the President of the American Society of Delphinium.

Delphiniums are wildflowers but the ones existing today are no longer wild. Most of the species are a result of the hybridization and from the development that started since the 19th Century. Originally, these flowers were found in the mountainous areas of the Northern Hemisphere and Africa and other parts of the world. They prefer cool summer season and moist temperature and they do not grow well in dry and hot weather. On the other hand, they also dislike the rainy and windy weather.

Among the popular types of Delphiniums are Delphinium Elatum, Belladonna, Grandiflorum, Pacific giants, and New Zealand Hybrids. The tall flowering plants can grow on spikes ranging in colors from purple to pink, red, yellow, white, and more. They can grow as tall as 7 feet high depending on the species. There are species that are short and small. Some are even referred to as dwarf types.

The most popular and well-known species of Delphiniums are Royal Larkspur, California Larkspur, and Tall Larkspur. They need proper staking during the rainy and windy days so that they will not flatten or break down. The dwarf type does not need staking anymore.

In ancient times, people used Delphiniums for medicinal purposes and even for relaxation and for better sleep. They also used the flower to treat and cure the sting of scorpion and parasitism. This is no longer the case today because the flower contains toxins that may cause internal problems, especially heart disease, low blood pressure, and breathing problems. The colors of Delphiniums are also used as a dye to color clothes and other items.

• How to Care for Delphinium

To plant the seed of Delphiniums, it is important to know that it needs full sun and well-drained soil. Springtime is the best time to plant one. Growing this flowering plant is an easy task. You can even ask for help from your local flower shop. During hot and sunny summer days, this plant loves the morning sunlight and some shade in the afternoon. First blooms need deadheading. When all blooms are finished, that is the right time to remove flower stalks to the ground and fertilize the plant. It will give you abundant blooms and brightly colored Delphiniums.

Tall varieties need stake as soon as they reach 12 inches high. Young plants also need careful watching against insects and pests that may cause diseases. The right soil, proper watering, and plant food supplies will keep them health. They are a perfect garden plant that blooms yearly and seasonally. Being a perennial plant, Delphinium will be dormant after its season and will bloom again when it is due provided that the plant is healthy and nourished.