Botanical name: Delphinium • Family: Ranunculaceae
Native to: Northern Hemisphere • Bloom: Early to midsummer • Symbolizes: An open heart & positivity
Few flowers command a border like the delphinium, with its majestic spires rising several feet into the air in some of the truest blues in the whole plant world. A cottage-garden classic, the delphinium is also July’s birth flower in its larkspur form. Here’s its meaning, colors and how to grow it.
About the delphinium
Delphiniums belong to the buttercup family and are native across the Northern Hemisphere. They’re prized for their tall, dense flower spikes, which can reach three to six feet or more, each packed with individual flowers that often have a contrasting central tuft known as the “bee.”
The name delphinium comes from the Greek for dolphin, a nod to the shape of the flower buds. The closely related annual larkspur (Consolida) is often sold under the same name and is the traditional July birth flower.
Delphinium meaning and symbolism
Delphiniums symbolize an open heart, positivity and big-heartedness, along with lightness, levity and fun. As the July birth flower (through larkspur), they’re associated with strong bonds of love and a generous, easygoing spirit.
Color adds further meaning: pink suggests fickleness, white a joyful and happy nature, and purple first love and dignity. Historically, delphiniums were also thought to offer protection against danger.
Delphinium colors and varieties
Delphiniums are famous above all for their blue shades, from sky blue to deep indigo — a genuinely rare color in flowers. They also come in purple, lilac, pink, cream and white, frequently with a contrasting eye.
Popular groups include the towering Pacific Giant hybrids, the sturdy New Millennium series, and shorter, more compact types like the Magic Fountains for smaller gardens and windier sites.
How to grow and care for delphiniums
Delphiniums want full sun, rich, moist but well-drained soil, and shelter from strong wind, which can snap their tall stems. Because of their height, most need staking early in the season, and they benefit from a spring feed to fuel that dramatic growth.
Deadheading the main spike after flowering often encourages a smaller second flush later in the season. Delphiniums are perennials, though some are short-lived and best replaced every few years. All parts are toxic if eaten, so site them away from pets and children.
Delphinium in bouquets and gifts
Delphiniums are a staple of cottage-garden borders, where their vertical spires add height and some of the best blue in the garden. They also make dramatic, long cut flowers for large arrangements, pairing beautifully with roses and peonies.
Fun facts about the delphinium
The name delphinium comes from the Greek word for dolphin, because the unopened flower buds were thought to resemble a dolphin’s shape. The plant’s common cousin, the annual larkspur, is the traditional birth flower of July.
Delphiniums produce some of the purest, most saturated blues in the entire plant kingdom — a color so rare in flowers that plant breeders have long treasured it. The dark tuft at each flower’s center is affectionately known as the “bee.”
Delphinium quick care tips
- Plant in full sun with rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Shelter from strong wind, which can snap the tall stems
- Stake the flower spikes early in the season
- Feed in spring to fuel their dramatic growth
- Deadhead the main spike for a possible second flush
- Site away from pets and children, as all parts are toxic
When to give delphinium
Delphiniums make a heartfelt gift for July birthdays and for celebrating an open-hearted, generous friend. Their tall blue spires also bring height and rare color to cottage-garden bouquets and large summer arrangements.
Delphinium FAQs
What is the difference between delphinium and larkspur?
They’re closely related members of the same family and look similar. “Delphinium” usually refers to the tall perennial (Delphinium), while “larkspur” usually refers to the annual (Consolida). Larkspur is the traditional July birth flower.
What does a delphinium symbolize?
Delphiniums symbolize an open heart, positivity, big-heartedness and fun, along with strong bonds of love. As July’s birth flower, they represent a generous, easygoing spirit, and each color carries its own nuance.
Are delphiniums perennials?
Yes, most delphiniums are perennials that return each year, though some are short-lived and are best divided or replaced every few years. Annual larkspur, sold under the same name, completes its life in a single season.
Why are blue delphiniums special?
True blue is one of the rarest colors in the flower world, and delphiniums produce some of the purest, deepest blues of any garden plant — a big part of why gardeners prize them.
Are delphiniums poisonous?
Yes. All parts of delphinium and larkspur are toxic if eaten and can harm people, pets and livestock. Plant them where children and animals won’t nibble, and wash your hands after handling.
How tall do delphiniums grow?
Tall types like the Pacific Giants can reach three to six feet or more, while compact varieties such as Magic Fountains stay around two to three feet — better for small or windy gardens.
See more blue flowers, the July birth flower (larkspur), and browse the full flower encyclopedia.