Facts about Delphiniums
October 28th, 2005· Delphinium are often called larkspur. These plants can grow to amazing heights; as high as six feet.
· The flowers of delphiniums grow on spikes. They range in color from white to pink, red, blue, purple, peach and yellow. There is one variety that is so purple that it looks black.
· Be sure to wash your hands well after handling delphiniums. They are highly toxic and can cause you to become very ill if any part of the plant is ingested.
· Soil should be well drained. Delphiniums don’t like to get wet feet.
· Delphiniums are perennials. They will germinate themselves and reappear in your garden year after year. They do need frequent cultivation, but will grow in rocky areas. They are perfect for clay or stony ground.
· Delphiniums can kill parasites on humans, especially lice and lice nits. They were used in the Civil War by Union soldiers to close wounds.
· Delphiniums are easy to grow, make lovely cut flowers and are easy to dry.
by Mary M. Alward
October 28th, 2005 at 5:46 pm
I love this trivia. I would like to learn more about bachelor buttons and I don’t see one here. Can you help?
Delphiniums are beautiful flowers. The one that is almost black is called (something) Knight. I can’t remember the other word. I have one in my garden and it is beautiful. I have several different colors in one garden and when they bloom, they are breathtaking. I didn’t know that they were poisonous though. Thanks for the tip.
October 28th, 2005 at 9:30 pm
I find it very interesting that delphiniums can kill parasites on humans. Lice are rampant in the schools here. Why can’t something be made from these flowers to use to kill them. Is it because the flowers are toxic? Anyone know?
October 28th, 2005 at 11:16 pm
More new trivia. Way to go admin. I have to check this site at least once a day to see what’s new. Love it.
Samantha, I would also like to see something about bachelor’s buttons. It would be interesting to find out more about them.
October 29th, 2005 at 11:59 am
Aww! No new flower trivia.
October 29th, 2005 at 7:29 pm
The wife and I grow delphinums in our garden and I must admit they are beautiful. We also grow hollyhocks and foxglove. The gardening trivia here is very interesting. I’ve enjoyed reading about all of the different species of flowers. Keep up the great work.
October 29th, 2005 at 10:14 pm
I didn’t realize that larkspur and delphiniums were one and the same. I’ve learned a few things here tonight. Imagine using flowers to close wounds during the Civil War. Some of those old remedies worked better than modern day medicine.
October 31st, 2005 at 4:51 pm
Delphiniums are very hearty plants. They thrive without much fertilizer. If you add too much they won’t do as well. Very little fertilizer is needed, or none at all for best results.
November 1st, 2005 at 11:19 pm
I would love to be able to grow delphiniums. I didn’t know that they were poisonous though. I also love lupins and would like to see an article on those.
November 3rd, 2005 at 3:18 am
I would like to know, if I can dig up delphiniums in the fall to re-locate? any info is appreciated.
November 3rd, 2005 at 9:43 pm
Enjoyed all the facts about delphiniums.
Larry, don’t move delphiniums in the fall. Transplant early in the spring when they are about 3 or 4 inches high. That is the best time to move them. If you transplant them now, their roots will not become earthbound before frost and you will lose them. Spring after all the frost is out of the ground and the chance of frost is past is best.
November 5th, 2005 at 9:50 pm
Mom grew delphiniums, which she called larkspur. She also grew what they call lupines today. She had another name for them. Like Teri, I would like to see an article on lupines.
November 19th, 2005 at 4:17 am
Interesting that delphiniums can kill parasites on humans and that they were used in the Civil War to close wounds. I’d read somewhere that spider webs can stop bleeding. I wonder if these work much the same way.
April 24th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
I have been having trouble getting delphiniums to grow in middle TN. We have clay soil, which should be OK since I do have good drainage. Do I need partial shade due to the heat? Does anyone know if they prefer acidic or alkaline soil? I had gorgeous stands in both NY and MA, just can’t get it accomplished in the south so far.