December Flower Of The Month: Delphiniums
Family: Ranunculaceae
Our December Flower of the Month is dedicated to Delphiniums! These elegant perennials are grown for their stalky height and vibrant hues. Learn how to care for delphiniums, grow them in your garden, and find out some interesting facts below!
Origin
Native To: Delphiniums are native to the Northern Hemisphere and on the mountains of the African tropics.
In The Wild: These towering blooms are typically found growing wild in natural areas like rich woods and in mountains. Other species can be spotted in habitats like prairies and sagebrush deserts. Delphiniums are popular in cottage-style and cutting gardens.
Delphinium Care
With proper care, delphiniums can last 1 to 2 weeks in a vase of room temperature water. To keep these blooms fresh, place them in a cool, shady area of your home and replace the water every other day.
Growing in your garden:
The best time to plant these blue beauties is in the spring. You can expect blooming in early summer and often reblooming in the later months of summer or early fall. Delphiniums need around 6 to 8 hours of sun, with gentle morning or afternoon sunlight being ideal. However, in warmer climates, these finicky florals need shade from the hot mid-day sun. Since their blooms are delicate, it’s also important to keep delphiniums in a site sheltered from strong winds and heavy downpours. Delphiniums thrive in moist, well-draining soil that is rich and fertile that will receive plenty of sunlight.
Symbolism and Fun Facts
Delphinium comes from the Greek word, delphis, which means dolphin. This is a reference to the closed flower buds’ resemblance to a dolphin’s nose.
Delphiniums are the birth flower for July.
Delphiniums symbolize happiness, joy, and goodwill.
There are more than 300 delphinium species!
Mature delphiniums can reach up to 6 feet in height.
Dwarf varieties grow 3 to 4 feet tall.
The tallest Delphinium is 10ft. x 6in. and was achieved by Jane Huebner in Innisfail, Alberta, Canada in 2017.
Delphiniums can cure scorpion stings and are known to repel parasites such as lice.
Both the plant and seeds are highly toxic if ingested. Keep these blooms away from children and pets!
The sap can be mixed with the chemical, alum, to make blue ink.
Blue delphiniums are the most common color but they can grow in vivid shades of violet, pink, white, red, and purple.
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