Home Help & Advice Care & Conditioning: Flower care guides Delphiniums and Larkspur Care Guide

We sell flowers and florist supplies at wholesale prices for everyone

Delphiniums and Larkspur Care Guide

Delphiniums and Larkspur are elegant line flowers known for their tall stems and colourful flower spikes. They are especially popular for weddings, events, sympathy flowers and cottage garden-style arrangements. 

Delphiniums generally have larger, more densely packed flowers, while Larkspur has a softer, more delicate appearance with smaller flowers arranged along a branching stem. 

 

Key Information about Delphinium and Larkspur

Availability: April to November (peaks June to October) 

Vase life: Approximately 4 to 8 days 

Colour range: White, pale pink, lavender, purple and a wide range of blue tones 

Stem lengths: Approximately 60cm to 120cm depending on grade and variety 

Form: Line

Family: Ranunculaceae

Genus: Delphinium

Best for: Wedding flowers, pedestal arrangements, ceremony flowers, large vase flowers, urns, sympathy flowers and cottage-garden designs 

Fun Fact: The name Delphinium comes from the Greek word Delphis, meaning dolphin, because the unopened flower buds are thought to resemble a dolphin. 

 

Watch this video

 

 

When Should I Order Delphinium and Larkspur?

We recommend delivery 2-3 days before the event. Delphiniums and Larkspur need time to hydrate and recover after transportation. 

-------------------------------------------------

 

Step-by-Step Conditioning Guide

To get the best out of your wholesale Delphiniums, please read the care instructions carefully: 

1. Carefully remove the outer packaging, sleeves and elastic bands. Support the stems and flower spikes while unpacking them. 

2. Remove any leaves that sit below the waterline. Also remove any damaged foliage and any broken or badly marked flowers. 

3. Cut approximately 2- 3 cm from the bottom of the stem with a sharp knife, secateurs or carbon blade scissors. 

4. Fill sterilised buckets with fresh, clean water and add correctly measured flower food. 

5. Some Delphiniums have hollow stems. If so, turn the stems upside down and immediately plunge the stem into prepared buckets. 

6. Make sure the flowers are supported and kept upright while conditioning. Avoid overcrowding the bucket or allowing the flower spikes to become tangled. 

7. Leave the flowers to condition overnight before arranging. Store in a cool, low-lit environment. Never leave the cut flowers in direct sunlight, near a radiator, in a draught or close to ripening fruit. Keep out of reach of children and pets. 

-------------------------------------------------

Common Problems & Solutions

Drooping or Wilted Flower Spikes: Drooping is often caused by dehydration or poor water uptake through the hollow stems. Re-cut the stems and place immediately into a clean bucket containing fresh water and flower food. Leave the flower upright for a couple of hours or overnight to rehydrate before arranging it again. 

Upper buds not opening: The upper buds may fail to open if the flowers have not received enough water or flower food. Re-cut the stems and condition overnight. Not every small bud will necessarily open, particularly if the stem was harvested at an immature stage. 

Flowers falling from the stem: Delphiniums are highly sensitive to ethylene gas. Exposure can cause the individual flowers to fall rapidly from the spike. Keep the flowers away from ripening fruit, vegetables, smoke, exhaust fumes and dying plant material. Remove fallen or deteriorating flowers and refresh the water. Unfortunately, significant damage caused by ethylene is unlikely to be reversed. 

-------------------------------------------------

 

Who is this Guide for?

DIY customers 

Florists and flower arrangers 

Wedding and event organisers 

Venue Stylists 

Anyone purchasing wholesale delphiniums and Larkspurs 

Customers creating large flower arrangements, installations and pedestal designs.

 

Common Questions

  1. What is the difference between delphinium and larkspur? Delphiniums generally have larger flowers and thicker, more substantial flower spikes. Delphiniums have taller stems covered with densely arranged flowers, while Belladonna Delphiniums have a looser, more branching form. Larkspur has smaller, more delicate flowers and a softer, less densely packed appearance.
  2. Are Delphinium and Larkspur the same flower? They are closely related and are commonly grouped within the flower industry. Larkspur is often sold as Delphinium Ajacis or Rocket Larkspur. It may also be botanically classified under the genus Consolida.
  3. Why do stems need to be filled with water? Delphinium and Larkspur have hollow stems. Filling the centre of the stem with water helps improve hydration and supports water movement toward the flower spike. Place your thumb over the cut end while turning the flower upright, then immediately place the stem into the prepared bucket.
  4. Can I revive wilted delphiniums? Flowers affected by dehydration can recover. Re-cut the stems, fill the hollow section with water, and place the flower upright in fresh water containing flower food. Leave it to hydrate for several hours or overnight.
  5. Should I remove the lower leaves? Yes, remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
  6. Can I use delphiniums in floral foam? Yes, delphiniums and larkspur in fully saturated floral foam.
  7. What colours is delphinium available in? They are most strongly associated with blue, but are also available in shades ranging from pink, lavender, and pale powder blue to rich royal and dark blue.
  8. Which flowers work well with delphinium and larkspur? They work well with roses, spray roses, peonies, stocks, scabious, campanula, lisianthus, Ammi majus and seasonal foliage. Their tall line shape provides height and structure, while round-headed flowers create contrast and balance.