Delphinium
Delphinium elatum
Family: Ranunculaceae · Also called Candle Larkspur, Bee Delphinium, Delphinastrum elatum, Delphinium intermedium subsp. alpestre
Green & Fresh · Summer bloomer
The delphinium is the vertical exclamation of the summer border, soaring spires packed with hundreds of individual florets in every shade of blue, from palest sky through cobalt to deepest navy, plus lavender, pink, and white. No other garden flower produces true blue with such intensity or on such a scale.
big-heartedness, levity, ardent attachment
In the Victorian language of flowers, delphinium means “Boldness and an open heart”. The name comes from Greek 'delphis' (dolphin), the bud shape resembles a leaping dolphin. In Renaissance paintings, delphiniums symbolize transcendence. English hybridizers in the 1800s created the towering Pacific Giants that now define cottage garden style. They're a staple of Highgrove and Sissinghurst.
Did You Know?
Delphiniums achieve their unique blues through a molecular complex called 'violdelphin', a combination of anthocyanins, flavones, and metal ions that creates hues no single pigment can produce. Scientists studying delphiniums are trying to use this chemistry to breed a true blue rose.
Mountain meadows, open woodland, and well-drained borders in cool climates
Delphinium is native to Northern Hemisphere. It naturally grows in mountain meadows, open woodland, and well-drained borders in cool climates.
Scent Profile
“Nearly scentless, delphiniums are all about visual drama, not perfume. Up close, there's a faint green freshness, but the appeal is their towering spires of blue that no other flower matches.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameDelphinium elatum
- FamilyRanunculaceae
- Native ToNorthern Hemisphere
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The name comes from Greek 'delphis' (dolphin), the bud shape resembles a leaping dolphin. In Renaissance paintings, delphiniums symbolize transcendence. English hybridizers in the 1800s created the towering Pacific Giants that now define cottage garden style. They're a staple of Highgrove and Sissinghurst.