Larkspur, The Flower Of July
Published Date: Jul 13, 2015
Larkspur is the flower of July, and its vibrantly colored petals make it an incredible addition to any outdoor space in the warmer months of the year. The flower comes in an array of colors, including pale silvery-white and muted pink. However, its most notable blooms are a deep, rich blue, which help it to stand out among other garden blossoms. Larkspur grows on a long, vertical stem – sometimes reaching six to eight feet in height, or even more – with multiple blossoms sprouting at the peak of the stem. This only adds to the drama that larkspur can provide a garden. Add in the fact that Larkspur is a hummingbird favorite, and it is easy to see why so many people plant this flower in their garden year after year.
Larkspur must be planted in either the spring or the fall, and doesn’t typically transplant well. If you don’t already have it in your garden this season, it’s a little late to plant them from seed now. However, now is a great time to start planning to put larkspur in your garden at the end of summer. Those who live in warmer climates such as California may even be able to get some late-flowering blossoms in their gardens by planting them later in the season.
You may also be able to get some larkspur blossoms by planting them in peat pots prior to putting them in your garden, which can be a good option for simple transplantation into garden bare spots over the summer. Remember that larkspur requires a cold germination period prior to planting. This can be achieved by refrigerating larkspur seeds for approximately two weeks before putting them in your garden.
After planting, larkspur requires very little care. In fact, seeds from Larkspur tend to spread on their own, which means that for many gardeners, the majority of work necessary will be trimming larkspur back and keeping it from sprouting in unwanted locations. They typically do not need much watering, except for in times of drought, which makes them a great low-maintenance plant. Depending on the variety of larkspur you decide to place in your garden, it may be necessary to stake the flower – types of larkspur that will reach several feet in growth will require staking, so plan for this ahead of time.
If you didn’t manage to get any larkspur in your garden this year, you could still purchase cut larkspur stems to decorate your outdoor space. Its long flowering stems and vibrant hues make it a great addition to long vases, and it can even be used to create attractive garlands or sprays for tables, so consider it as an option for special occasions and celebrations. For a great summery floral mix, pair larkspur with vibrantly colored flowers in orange and yellow, or for a more romantic mix pair larkspur with cream colored blossoms such as white roses. The deep blue hues of this plant make it the perfect flower for a variety of designs. July’s flower is truly a happy addition to any outdoor space!
