Delphinium

Delphinium ajacis

Delphiniums are tall flowers with spikes of blue, purple, or white blooms. They make any garden look magical!

Habitat: Gardens and flower beds

Appearance

The Delphinium has tall, stately flower spikes, often in vivid blues, purples, pinks, or white, with individual flowers featuring a distinctive spur at the back. Its deeply lobed leaves form a neat clump below the colorful bloom.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusDelphinium

Delphinium

Interesting facts

"Delphinium" means "dolphin" in Greek, named for its flower buds resembling a leaping dolphin!

Ancient societies once used delphinium flowers to create beautiful blue dyes and inks!

Some delphinium petals contain special pigments that make their blue color even more vibrant!

The tiny spur on each flower acts like a secret hiding place for nectar, attracting thirsty insects!

Special abilities

Delphinium produces powerful toxins that deter hungry animals, helping it survive from being eaten.

Its tall flower spikes stand out against other plants, making them easy for pollinators to spot.

Delphinium has a unique spurred flower shape that guides specific pollinators directly to its nectar.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-100 cm
Spread: 15-30 cm
Flower Size: 2-4 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to late summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: High
Lifecycle: Annual
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from flowers.

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Visits the spurred flowers for sweet nectar.

eaten by

Black Bean Aphid

Aphis fabae

Sucks sap from stems, potentially causing damage.

eaten by

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

Grazes on leaves and tender young plant parts.

Traits

Herbaceous

These amazing plants have soft, green stems that typically die back to the ground each year, making way for fresh new growth when the time is right.

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.