Flower Encyclopedia
Delphinium
Delphinium elatum
Tall, true-blue spires that bring vertical height and a rare saturated blue to arrangements.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
5–8 days
Availability
Seasonal
Peak months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Cost
Moderate
Fragrance
Little to none
Pollen
Low
Care
Moderate
Out of water
Under 2 hours
Heat tolerance
Low
Cold tolerance
Moderate
Outdoor events
Fair
Around pets
Keep away from pets
Pets in the house? Keep away from pets.
Delphinium and its close relative larkspur should be kept well away from cats and dogs, as the plant contains compounds that can be seriously toxic if chewed or eaten. Place arrangements out of reach entirely, and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service immediately if ingestion is suspected.
What It Means
Delphinium symbolizes an open heart, ardent attachment, and lightness of spirit, and its Victorian associations lean toward positivity and encouragement. The vivid blue forms in particular are prized for a color few other flowers can supply.
Colors it comes in
blue · purple · lavender · white · pink
Coordinates beautifully with
white · soft yellow · silver green · navy accents
Season & Sourcing
Delphinium peaks from late spring through summer, with the deepest blues most abundant in the warmer months. Supply narrows in winter, when white and lighter spikes are easier to find than saturated blue.
Vase life, honestly
Delphinium holds five to eight days but is sensitive to ethylene, which makes the lower florets drop early. Keep it away from fruit and change the water often to slow shattering.
Fragrance
Delphinium is effectively unscented, so it adds height and color to an arrangement without competing with more fragrant flowers.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut the tall stems at an angle and hydrate them in cool, deep water.
- 2Strip lower foliage and keep the water clean to slow floret drop.
- 3Keep delphinium away from ripening fruit and other ethylene sources.
- 4Refresh the water and recut stems every two days.
- 5Support the top-heavy spikes in a vase tall enough to keep them from bending or snapping.
What it costs: Delphinium sits in the moderate range in season, with the deep-blue hybrid types costing more than the lighter or single-stem forms. Winter availability pushes prices up and limits color choice.
Where It Shines
At weddings
Delphinium is a workhorse for wedding installations that need height and blue tones — tall centerpieces, arch work, and airy garden bouquets. The individual florets are also harvested to scatter as natural blue petal confetti.
In sympathy work
Blue and white delphinium bring a calm, uplifting note to standing sprays and large sympathy arrangements, and their vertical form gives designers structure. White spikes suit a peaceful, dignified tone.
Every day
A striking accent in tall mixed bouquets, especially for anyone who loves blue. A few stems can transform an arrangement's scale and mood at modest cost.
Can't Get It? Try
A Little History
The name comes from the Greek 'delphis', meaning dolphin, because the unopened flower bud resembles a dolphin's shape. The genus belongs to the buttercup family and includes several hundred species; larkspur is its close and equally toxic relative.
Questions People Ask
Why are the bottom flowers on my delphinium falling off?
Delphinium is very sensitive to ethylene gas, which triggers the lower florets to drop. Keep it away from ripening fruit and other flowers that give off ethylene, and change the water frequently.
Is delphinium the same as larkspur?
They are close relatives in the same buttercup family and look similar, with larkspur generally being the annual, shorter-lived form. Both share the same tall floret spikes and the same toxicity concerns around pets and people.
What flowers give a true blue like delphinium?
Few flowers match delphinium's saturated blue; hydrangeas and irises come closest in the cooler, while some anemones offer deep blue-purple tones. A florist can steer you toward the truest blue available that week.
Is delphinium dangerous around pets?
Yes — delphinium and larkspur can be seriously toxic to cats and dogs and should be kept entirely out of reach. If you suspect a pet has chewed or eaten any part, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service right away.
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