HomeUltimate Flower Guide: Delphiniums
Delphinium-liac-blue-flowers

Delphiniums: Your Ultimate Flower Guide

Meanings, Facts and Care Tips

A country garden favourite, the stunning delphinium is the quintessentially British summer flower. Strong and tall yet pretty and delicate these beautiful flowers make a wonderful display for the home.

Delphinium-purple-field

About Delphiniums

The name of this flower derives from the Greek for 'dolphin' (delphis) as its buds appear like a dolphin's snout. The flower earned its more common names Larkspur & Lark's Heel because of how its spurs resemble the foot of a lark. In terms of history, the delphinium has an interesting one, shrouded in myth and legend.

The ancient Greeks believed that the flower had magical properties and in Transylvania delphiniums were used to ward off witches from stables. In Medieval England the root of the flower was also used to make love potions - something which we don't recommend as the plant is poisonous!

Facts and origins

Scientific name: Delphinium

Common name: Lark's claw or Lark's heel

Family: Ranunculacae

Availability: April-November, peaks June-October

Vase life: Approx. 7 days Colour range: All shades of blue plus purple, lilac, pink and white

Delphiniums 2

The Meaning of Delphinium

The meaning of delphiniums is generally accepted as 'big hearted'. Like many flowers, different colours of delphiniums often carry their own significance.

Blue, the most common colour, signifies dignity and grace while white and pink represent new life and the power of youth.

Did you know?

  • Delphiniums are the birth flower for July
  • Delphiniums come from the buttercup family
  • Delphiniums were traditionally used to make blue dye and ink
  • The ancient Greeks believed that delphiniums had magical properties
Interflora1105216882

Summer has bloomed again

Our gorgeous summer collection is here to brighten their day!

Care tips

  • Cut 2-3cm from the bottom of the stem at an angle and remove any excess foliage that may sit below the waterline when your flowers are placed in a vase
  • Fill a clean vase two thirds full with tap water and add flower food
  • Display in a cool position, out of direct heat and away from ripening fruit and vegetables which produce ethylene gas and could expedite the rate of deterioration.
  • Re-cut the stems every two days and change the water completely.
  • Delphiniums love to drink so make sure you keep the water level topped up at all times.

Note: all parts of the delphinium are poisonous, so handle with care and always wash hands after contact with them.

Delphiniums-sunflowers-bouquet-vase

For the home

For impact, arrange these striking flowers en masse in blocks of single colour or combine them with golden sunflowers for a cheerful summery display. To create a look with more vintage appeal combine soft shades of pink, lilac and white and display in an oversized jug.
Delphiniums-bridal-bouquets-arrangements

For brides

The delphinium is a truly impressive flower, ideal for showy arrangements and particularly suited to summer weddings. Smaller varieties such as 'Volkerfrieden' would complement their taller cousins when used in tied posies and shower bridal bouquets.
itsjustinesjournal-2

Flower Types

Want to know your hyacinth from your hydrangea? Which are the best flowers of the seasons? We've covered it all in our Ultimate Flower Guides.

bright-bouquet-germini-roses-flowers

Decoration & Style

From finding the perfect vase to style your flowers to learning how to preserve your bouquets, we have it covered.

SHOPS_121223-03143

Flower Care Tips

Want to know how to make your flowers last longer? Forget the old wives' tales and follow these top flower care tips from our expert florists.