Flower Spotlight: Delphinium

With their joyful colors and towering height, delphiniums make a great addition to any bouquet! Also known as larkspur, these tall, lively blooms elicit feelings of fun, warmth, and happiness. Learn more about their history and meaning, along with some interesting facts.

Origin

Delphinium can be found all over the northern hemisphere, alongside high mountain ranges in Africa. They thrive in cold, moist climates. Their name comes from the Greek word “delphis,” which means dolphin, referring to the dolphin-like shape of the flower.

Facts

• Delphinium was commonly used by Native Americans and European settlers to make blue dye.
• In ancient times, delphinium was used to repel scorpions, lice, and other parasites. It was also believed to protect against lightning, eye diseases, and witches.
• Delphinium is very poisonous to both humans and animals, and can lead to severe illness, paralysis, or death. Make sure to keep it away from pets and children!

Meanings

Delphinium is a symbol of positivity and openness to new experiences. In addition, they show cheerfulness and goodwill. They’re a great flower to send as a form of encouragement to someone who is down on their luck. Delphiniums are not available in many color variations but of the colors available, there is a slight difference in meaning:

Blue – Dignity
White – Innocence, purity
Pink, Light Blue – Youth, new beginnings

If you know someone who needs a little cheering up, send them flowers and make sure to include delphinium! A beautiful arrangement from a local florist could be just what they need!