On a lark, I thought it apropo to write about the annual, Larkspur. It just so happens, according to the florist industry, to be the flower for July. This flower's appearance is very close to the perennial, Delphinium and is in the genus Delphinium consolida.
Now this got me thinking... how many things on the web can I find about this plant? There just so happens to be everything from towns to songs entitled Larkspur. The plant originated in Europe and the Mediterranean. It is prolific in zones 3-8 and it generally will reseed itself.
Larkspur is also poisonous to both animals and humans. I read that it is one of the largest causes of wiping out cattle in the Western United States. This is surprising to me because Foxglove is also toxic and so are daffodils. Poisonous plants usually are not bothered by animals in my garden. Bunnies and rodents instinctively stay away from them. Then it occurred to me, how stupid are cows? You would think their brains would be so much bigger and smarter than Peter Cottontail and his Mickey Mouse rodent friends. Huh, so much for brain size matters... which also took me back to the mouse trials in pyschology 101. Guess I should have paid more attention in class.
Larkspur comes in a variety of colors and is beautiful in cut flower arrangements. It is said that they got their name because of the spur on the end of the flower and the part that attaches to the stem looks like the tail of a lark. Hmm... and you thought they were just pretty!
- Sow Larkspur seeds directly in garden in the spring.
- Sow them in the location you want them to grow as Larkspurs do not like to be transplanted.
- Larkspur plants should be spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart.
- Level with the soil surface. Carefully fill in and firm the soil gently.
- Water the Larkspurs deeply to encourage root development, but be sure the roots do not stand in water or they will be at risk for root rot.
Larkspur plant care
- Larkspurs are best started from seed in spring or fall.
- Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds on Larkspur beds.
- Water Larkspur plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.
- Soil should never dry out for the Larkspurs.
- Stake tall varieties of Larkspur to prevent hollow flower stalks from snapping in the wind, and deadhead after flowering to encourage rebloom.
- After the first killing frost, cut the Larkspur's stems back to an inch or two above soil line.
- Divide plants every three to four years as new growth begins in the spring, lifting plants and dividing them into clumps.
- Remove spent Larkspur flowers as needed. Trim back to the ground in late fall after foliage dies back.
Now for a little larkspur music! Hit it boys! The Larkspur Song