Verdun Larkspur
delphinium verdunense
Also known as: ["Verdun Larkspur","Delphinium verdunense"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with tall spikes of blue or purple flowers, native to Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Delphinium |
| Botanical Name: | Delphinium verdunense |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay or overly sandy soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning can be done in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate—remove spent flower spikes and weak stems; heavy pruning may reduce flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; provide dappled shade in extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate pots for even light; use sheer curtains for filtered light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage, ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged, and reduce watering in dormant periods.
Soil
rich, well-draining loam with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good aeration; avoid waterlogging; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C). Prefers cooler nights and tolerates mild frosts.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize after watering; stop before dormancy; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are faster but seeds offer genetic diversity.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early spring for cuttings; late summer to early fall for seeds.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–70°F/18–21°C).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Recommended for cuttings to improve rooting success.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 3–6 weeks; seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks with establishment over 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent plants; keep medium moist; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting just above a leaf node; cut back to basal foliage after flowering.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and cut back foliage after flowering to maintain vigor.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; cut at an angle; remove dead/damaged growth; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil mix; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Delphiniums prefer slightly crowded roots but benefit from fresh soil.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture; allow top inch to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; leaf drop or crown rot in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage in prolonged freezes, and can lead to fungal infections in damp cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter, protect from frost with row covers, and ensure good air circulation to prevent rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, flowers fade quickly, and growth may stall in excessive heat, especially with poor water access.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute correctly; apply to soil; avoid foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicDelphinium verdunense is toxic to cats due to its diterpene alkaloid content, which can cause severe neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. Cats are particularly sensitive to these toxins, and ingestion can lead to life-threatening conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe diterpene alkaloids in Delphinium verdunense are highly toxic to dogs, affecting the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Ingestion can lead to severe neurological and gastrointestinal distress, potentially resulting in paralysis or death if untreated.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDelphinium verdunense contains diterpene alkaloids, which are potent neurotoxins that can cause severe physiological effects, including muscle weakness, respiratory paralysis, and cardiovascular disturbances. The toxins interfere with neuromuscular transmission and can lead to systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Delphinium verdunense toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to both dogs and cats.
Q: How should I care for Delphinium verdunense?
A: Provide full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Q: Does Delphinium verdunense attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
