

Larkspurs
Botanical name: Delphinium
Larkspurs
Botanical name: Delphinium


Description

Larkspurs are frequently mentioned in Greek mythology. According to Greek legend, the warrior Achilles' armor was given to Ulysses. this so upset another warrior, Ajax that he threw himself on his sword, after which small flowers of larkspurs grew up in the places where his drops of blood hit the ground. The natural toxicity of these plants can be a hazard to grazing cattle.

Species of Larkspurs


Candle larkspur 'Magic Fountain Sky Blue'
Candle larkspur 'Magic Fountain Sky Blue' is mainly unique for its small size, growing only 76 cm tall. True to its name, its flowers are sky blue with contrasting white centers. Notably, it also has sturdy stems that do not require staking. This plant was produced from Delphinium 'Blackmore and Langdons'.

Candle larkspur 'Pagan Purples'
Candle larkspur 'Pagan Purples' was created as a heat-tolerant and hardy variety of Candle larkspur. As indicated by the variety's name, the flowers are a vibrant purple, but do have the occasional white flower emerge amid the blooms. Gardeners like them for their visual impact and for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

Candle larkspur 'Purple Passion'
Candle larkspur 'Purple Passion' are frequently mentioned in Greek mythology. According to Greek legend, the warrior Achilles' armor was given to Ulysses. This so upset another warrior, Ajax that he threw himself on his sword, after which small flowers of candle larkspur 'Purple Passion' grew up in the places where his drops of blood hit the ground. The natural toxicity of these plants can be a hazard to grazing cattle.

Larkspurs 'Cobalt Dreams'
Larkspurs 'Cobalt Dreams' are frequently mentioned in Greek mythology. According to Greek legend, the warrior Achilles' armor was given to Ulysses. This so upset another warrior, Ajax that he threw himself on his sword, after which small flowers of larkspurs 'Cobalt Dreams' grew up in the places where his drops of blood hit the ground. The natural toxicity of these plants can be a hazard to grazing cattle.

Candle larkspur 'Langdon's Royal Flush'
Candle larkspur 'Langdon's Royal Flush' has cream centered magenta-pink blooms that are semi-double. It was cultivated from the elatum species of Delphiniums and bred by the Blackmore and Langdon Nursery in England, from which the name is derived. Although a high-maintenance plant, gardeners enjoy that it adds height to flower beds.

Candle larkspur 'Lord Butler'
Candle larkspur 'Lord Butler' stands out from other Delphinium species, showing off bright blue/purple blooms. It's a Delphinium cultivar in the dwarf range, meaning it does not grow to the lofty height of its ancestral plant, the candle larkspur. The flowers, however, are usually bluer and fuller.

Candle larkspur 'Guardian Lavender'
Though larkspurs come in a variety of colors, candle larkspur 'Guardian Lavender' is one of the few cultivars with lavender blooms. It is the only lavender cultivar in the Guardian group of larkspurs. The Guardian larkspurs were bred for early blooming, vigor, and uniformity, and 'Lavender' is no exception. This cultivar blooms earlier than its parent, from spring to midsummer instead of midsummer to fall.

Candle larkspur 'Giotto'
Candle larkspur 'Giotto' is a cultivar of Candle larkspur with unique semi-double flowers that have violet inner sepals and blue outer sepals. The flowers of the parent plant, and many of its varieties, are usually only one color. It is taller yet more compact than its parent, reaching a height of 2.5 m instead of 1.5 m and a spread of 60 cm instead of 90 cm.

Delphinium tatsienense
Delphinium tatsienense are frequently mentioned in Greek mythology. According to Greek legend, the warrior Achilles' armor was given to Ulysses. This so upset another warrior, Ajax that he threw himself on his sword, after which small flowers of delphinium tatsienense grew up in the places where his drops of blood hit the ground. The natural toxicity of these plants can be a hazard to grazing cattle.

Candle larkspur 'Lilian Bassett'
The parent of candle larkspur 'Lilian Bassett' typically has flowers that range from blue to white, but this hybrid boasts exceptional pure white, semi-double flowers with a brown center. The hybrid name continues a tradition of giving ladies names to delphiniums, such as "Elizabeth Cook", "Emily Hawkins" and "Elizabeth Sahin".

Larkspurs 'Princess Caroline'
Larkspurs 'Princess Caroline' are frequently mentioned in Greek mythology. According to Greek legend, the warrior Achilles' armor was given to Ulysses. This so upset another warrior, Ajax that he threw himself on his sword, after which small flowers of larkspurs 'Princess Caroline' grew up in the places where his drops of blood hit the ground. The natural toxicity of these plants can be a hazard to grazing cattle.

Candle larkspur 'Mighty Atom'
Candle larkspur 'Mighty Atom' is distinct for its large, deep lavender flowers. A cultivar of Delphinium elatum, its name probably refers to this cultivar’s larger flowers compared to the other dwarf cultivars. Gardeners love it for its showy appearance as well as its hardiness and its appeal to butterflies and bees.

Candle larkspur 'Blue Dawn'
Candle larkspur 'Blue Dawn' blooms in early to mid-summer, attracting pollinators with its bright blue flowers. This wildflower grows in moist meadows and is toxic if ingested. Its name comes from the Latin word for dolphin due to its unique flower shape.

Larkspurs 'Min'
Larkspurs 'Min' is a herbaceous perennial larkspur with dark green deciduous foliage and racemes of semi-double purplish-white flowers that have violet edges. This larkspur grows up to 2 m in height over 2-5 years of maturation, with the racemes reaching 90 cm in length.

Siberian larkspur 'Summer Cloud'
Siberian larkspur 'Summer Cloud' sticks out from others of its genus because of its miniature size, better heat tolerance, and early blooming. The parent plant of this cultivar is believed to be Delphinium grandiflorum, the Siberian larkspur. For a plant that produces a profusion of blue blooms resembling a cloud during summertime, what better name could it have?

Dwarf larkspur
Dwarf larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) can be found in the wild growing in woodlands, roadsides, and wastelands all over its native eastern USA. The plant's showy purple flowers encourage ornamental growth and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant's name tricorne refers to its three-horned fruit pods.

Scarlet larkspur
Native to the west coast of North America, where it's primarily found in California and Baja California, this perennial wildflower is often used in ornamental gardens. The scarlet red flower clusters of scarlet larkspur attract hummingbirds, which are its main pollinators. All members of the Delphinium genus are toxic, including Delphinium cardinale.

Siberian larkspur
Siberian larkspur (Delphinium grandiflorum) is also known as Chinese Delphinium. The plant is native to the nations of China and Russia. This plant is poisonous, like other larkspurs. When in the sunlight, the siberian larkspur's flowers can appear fluorescent because the blue pigment in the blooms is so intense.

Chervil larkspur
The chervil larkspur consists of a poisonous type of alkaloid called delphinine. Its produces purple-white flowers, and its flowering season is lasts through spring. These herbs are generally found in footpaths and fields and are native to Asia.

Candle larkspur
The Delphinium elatum is a beautiful ornamental plant, which includes cultivars 'Magic Fountains', 'Dwarf Pacific', 'New Millennium', 'Pacific giant', and 6 varieties of 'Aurora'. It was first referred to as its scientific name by the Greek botanist and physician Pedanius Dioscorides.

Red larkspur
Hummingbirds are the primary pollinators of red larkspur, or Delphinium nudicaule, attracted to its bright orange-red larkspur flowers. Like other members of the buttercup family, all parts of this flowering perennial are toxic.

Twolobe larkspur
Twolobe larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum) is a flowering perennial species that is extremely toxic to humans and can cause death if ingested. Its flowers are deep blue to blue-violet. Hummingbirds are attracted to the twolobe larkspur.

Larkspurs 'Magic Fountain White'
Larkspurs 'Magic Fountain White' produces bunches and bunches of small white flowers on a very sturdy and upright stem. A member of the Magic Fountain series of larkspurs, this cultivar was named after its hybrid family and color. Larkspurs 'Magic Fountain White' is frequently used in bouquets, attracts pollinators, and does not require supportive staking, making it popular in home gardens.

Larkspurs 'Cassius'
Larkspurs 'Cassius' is a tall and large-bloomed type of delphinium and consequently will need to be staked to stay upright. The effort is worth it, however; this cultivar is a striking blue with black centers and can grow as tall as 2 m. It prefers full sun but still has some frost hardiness in cooler climates.

Larkspurs 'Fanfare'
Larkspurs 'Fanfare' is a long-stemmed herbaceous perennial larkspur with semi-double flowers that bloom in late spring to summer in mild climates. The flowers are mauve with white eyes and can create much "fanfare" with their beauty. Larkspurs 'Fanfare' is toxic to humans and pets.

Candle larkspur 'Blue Lace'
Candle larkspur 'Blue Lace' is characterized by tall, sturdy flower spikes and sky-blue blooms. The cultivar is bred from the larkspur plant, and its name refers to the blue coloration and frilly nature of the flower petals. The tall spikes are attention-getting and popular for garden settings, rising from the green foliage below.

Candle larkspur 'Walton Gemstone'
Candle larkspur 'Walton Gemstone' is an erect perennial offering long spikes with a unique combination of pale violet flowers with white eyes. Foliage consists of divided leaves that are light green in color. This is one of many cultivars of the Delphinium genus. Gardeners favor this cultivar as it is tolerant of most soil types and requires low maintenance.

Candle larkspur 'Guardian Blue'
A hybrid larkspur variety, candle larkspur 'Guardian Blue' is part of the Guardian Series which is characterized by uniform flowers and early blooms, weeks earlier than other larkspurs. It is popular with florists and home gardeners also enjoy it as a cut flower.

Candle larkspur 'Centurion White'
Candle larkspur 'Centurion White' is known for its pure white flowers growing in tall, upright stalks. A cultivar of Delphinium elatum, its name comes from its color and the Centurion Series of its parent plant. Gardeners love it for the height it adds to cut floral arrangements, as well as its resistance to deer and rabbits.

Candle larkspur 'Jill Curley'
A winner of the Award of Garden Merit, candle larkspur 'Jill Curley' produces profusely flowering spikes of pure white flowers. Cultivated as a Delphinium hybrid, this variety got its name from its "youthful" color and "curly" appearance. Candle larkspur 'Jill Curley' is adored for its unique growth habit, centerpiece value, and use in bouquets.

Candle larkspur 'Black Eyed Angels'
Tall and showy, candle larkspur 'Black Eyed Angels' is packed with large, frilly white flowers with black "eyes," truly making it stand out among delphiniums. A member of the 'New Millenium' hybrids, this cultivar was named specifically for its pure-white petals adorned with black centers, giving it the look of a black-eyed angel. Candle larkspur 'Black Eyed Angels' is very popular for its lovely ornamental value, compact yet fast-growing habit, and tolerance to heat.

Larkspurs 'King Arthur Group'
Larkspurs 'King Arthur Group' has tall stems topped with deep purple-colored flowers that make it highly distinctive. It's a Pacific Giant Delphinium hybrid given the name 'King Arthur Group' as this is the category of Delphinium it belongs to. Gardeners love this plant for its extreme floriferousness and versatility, suiting all gardens from cottages to modern designs.

Candle larkspur 'Sunny Skies'
Candle larkspur 'Sunny Skies' is a cultivar of Candle larkspur. It’s a popular addition to garden borders due to the plant’s unique characteristics. Candle larkspur 'Sunny Skies' produces larger blue flowers than its parent plant, and they have white centers. Its appearance is similar to clouds on a summer day, which may explain the name 'Sunny Skies'. Candle larkspur 'Sunny Skies' also has a longer blooming period than other varieties.

Candle larkspur 'Pink Punch'
Considered the most vibrant pink Delphinium elatum cultivar at this time, the candle larkspur 'Pink Punch' is famous for its mulberry blooms, which likely lead to its name 'Pink Punch.' Its parentage is unknown. In addition to its color, the candle larkspur 'Pink Punch' has a series of notable garden characteristics, such as resistance to rabbits, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, and tolerance to heat and humidity.

Larkspurs 'Galahad'
A later blooming variety of larkspur, the larkspurs 'Galahad' can be an impressive garden accent from late spring through mid-summer. It also makes for an impressive display as a cut flower in a vase. The plant's flowers have pure white petals, which is referenced in the variety's name – Galahad was the pure knight of the Round Table.

Stavesacre
Stavesacre is a biennial herb that contains highly toxic alkaloids. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to severe symptoms and death. The seed is a potent insecticide and parasiticide and has traditionally been used to kill head lice. The common name comes from the Greek word for "wild raisin" and refer's to this plants wrinkly brown seeds.

Sierra Larkspur
Sierra Larkspur (Delphinium glaucum) is a plant species native to western North America. Sierra Larkspur is a species that has been heavily featured in phytochemical research. This species grows in damp mountain habitats, including riverbanks and meadows.

Carolina larkspur
Carolina larkspur (Delphinium carolinianum) prefers well-drained areas, so horticulturists who wish to grow it must take care in their watering scheme. Carolina larkspur is toxic to humans if ingested, but it's a favorite of slugs, which can destroy the plant quite rapidly.

Delphinium anthriscifolium var. savatieri
Known as delphinium anthriscifolium var. savatieri, this plant has attracted attention for its unique name and striking appearance. It can be found in gardens and wild habitats, where it blooms in the spring and summer months. Its bright blue flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.




Scientific Classification
