Larkspurs for Learners and Beginners
Larkspur are beautiful perennial flowers that grow in brilliant colors. They are commonly known for their bright blue petals, but they also come in forms of red, white, purple, and pink. Larkspurs are uniquely shaped- the flowers are displayed vertically on each stem. There are different species of larkspur, so there are different petal shapes. Many are star-shaped and there are others that have more of a jumbled look. No matter what kind of larkspur you plant and grow, these flowers will always brighten up your garden.
Here, you can learn the following:
* Popular Species of Larkspur
* Interesting Information about Larkspur
* Planting Larkspur
* Taking Care of Larkspurs
Larkspur is another name for the genus of flowers called Delphinium. Many species fall under this genus that can be annual, perennial, or biennial flowers. In fact, there are about 250 different types of larkspur. Because there is such a variety of larkspur species, you can easily fill your garden with these various species to create a unique and stunning look.
The many different species of larkspur result in a variety of sizes and petal characteristics. The average larkspur grows between one and three feet tall with a width between six and eighteen inches. It is usually a tall and skinny flower. Therefore, the larkspur does not take up too much space, allowing you to grow a whole bunch or maybe just a few for a pop of bright color.
Larkspur come from all over the Northern Hemisphere. They grow throughout this region in addition to tropical areas of Africa with a high altitude. There are two species of larkspur- Baker’s larkspur and Yellow larkspur- that originate from California. These species are listed as endangered.
Larkspurs grow in the spring and summer, giving them the perfect time to show off their brilliant colors. There are some species that grow in the colder times of the year. Although possible, growth during these cooler times does not happen very often, designating the larkspur as a spring and summer flower.
Popular Species of Larkspur
If you are looking for specific species to plant in your garden, the following are some of the more popular types.
* Nutthall’s larkspur: Originating from the United States, this species displays the bright blue color that larkspurs are known for.
* Sierra larkspur: This species can grow between three and six feet tall. It usually has petals with the classic blue-purple combination. But they can sometimes grow to have darker petals.
* Rocket larkspur: This flower grows between three and four feet tall. Unlike most other larkspur, they grow in the wintertime.
* Imperial larkspur: Growing to be about four feet tall, this type of larkspur produces blue, purple, pink, and white petals.
* Cloudy Skies: This is a specie of larkspur that can reach about three feet tall. Their petals are unique as they can produce blue, purple, and even silver petals.
Interesting Information about Larkspur
* Along with the water lily, the larkspur is the official flower of the month of July.
* There is an ancient Roman myth that says the god Neptune turned a dolphin into a larkspur.
* In North America, the Pawnee tribe believed that the larkspur was created after the mythological figure- called the Dream Woman- carved a hole into the sky in order to spy on the humans. The crumbs from the sky created the bright blue larkspur.
* The stem and the seeds of larkspur consist of alkaloids, making them toxic.
* Larkspur are drought tolerant and deer resistant.
* The general larkspur flower represents an open heart and romantic feelings. The different colored larkspurs also carry their own symbolism. The pink represents uncertainty and the purple signifies first love. White symbolizes carefree happiness. Larkspurs are also associated with summertime and cheerful summer days.
* Native Americans as well as European settlers of North America used larkspur flowers to make blue dye.
Planting Larkspur
* When picking a planting site, the area should receive lots of sunlight daily.
* The soil should be well drained. If it cannot drain easily, then water may get trapped and cause root damage that will harm the entire flower.
* It is best to plant them in the early spring. Afterall, they are usually a summertime flower. So, you will see fresh and beautiful larkspurs when the weather turns hot.
* If you live in areas where the temperature stays warm almost all year, then it is best to plant them in the fall.
* Larkspurs grow very fast, reaching about three feet tall in one growing season. Because of this, they may require staking. By keeping them healthy, you will be able to see them reappear over the next few seasons.
* It is possible for the larkspurs to become invasive. If this becomes the case, all you must do is simply remove the unwanted flowers. Doing so will not cause harm to the other plants.
* It is important to recognize that this flower is poisonous. You should pick a planting site away from children and pets in order to prevent accidental consumption.
Taking Care of Larkspurs
* In order to maintain moisture, you should apply about two inches of mulch to the plant. You can also add compost or other organic material to enhance the freshness and the flower’s overall health.
* Larkspurs are subject to damage by slugs, snails, and mildew. In order to prevent this, it is recommended that you use soaker hoses that will keep the plant’s soil moist. It is important to not overwater larkspurs because that may lead to mildew and root rot.
* While larkspurs are drought resistant, they still should be watered every so often. It important to keep the soil moist. You should water when the soil begins to dry out.
* Staking the larkspurs will prevent any damage from the wind and will also encourage a strong and healthy flower base.
* After the foliage has begun to die in the late fall, you can trim the flowers to the ground in order to prepare for next year’s blooms!
