Bold & Bright - Delphinium and Larkspur

Grown for their showy spikes packed full of vibrant florets, Delphiniums come in brilliant shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. There are about 300 species of this flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae.

Related to the red and yellow native Larkspur, Hellebores, and Monkshood, and a member of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), Delphinium has a long history in medicine, cultural and religious significance.

It also includes a slightly different variation, known as Larkspur, Delphiniums get their name from the Latin for 'dolphin'. This refers to the nectary at the base of each flower that resembles a dolphin. The big flower spikes flower from the base up, creating a tapering bloom full of flat, ruffled, and colorful florets that flower for a long time as a whole. The small black dot in the middle is known as the 'bee'. Some Delphinium flowers are doubles!

The green basal rosettes have fine-cut, deeply incised foliage reminiscent of Japanese Maples with deep grooves along the midribs for a textured effect. Deer and rabbit-resistant because of their thick leaves and possibly because of a strong flavor.

Look through our helpful Garden Blog about Delphinium, or check out these popular categories:

• Pinching Back Plants 
• Dividing Perennials
• Creating Arrangements
• Planting Perennials

Some popular Delphinium and Larkspur varieties:

• Summer Blues Delphinium - Larkspur-type with light blue and white airy wands
• Summer Mornings Delphinium - Larkspur-type with large barely-there pink blossoms
• Blue Lace Delphinium - a lovely lavender and blue double Delphinium
• Delphinium Blue Butterfly - true blue Larkspur-type wands
• Magic Fountains White Dark Bee Delphinium - Densely packed white flower spires
• Pink Punch Delphinium - soft rosy-pink Larkspur-style airy wands

How To Use Delphinium In Your Garden

This plant is a native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and the many cultivars are a favorite of many gardeners.

Delphinium are perfect plants for adding tall, linear pops of color throughout the summer garden, typically from June to September! Smaller varieties are fantastic planter thrillers that add height without taking up much space.

Add any of these dramatic blooms to your Cottage Garden, mixed perennial border, or along pathways and walkways without worrying about them taking up too much space. Any garden becomes a pollinator garden and cut flower garden with these dramatic spires!

Available in pink, purple, and white, Delphinium includes some of the few 'true blue' flowers!

Small Delphiniums are wonderful front-of-the-border accents and edging! While taller varieties are dramatic back-of-the-border accents, backdrops, and towering focal points among the garden beds and borders.