The statuesque delphinium is easily recognizable for its tall spike of five-petaled flowers. One of the birth flowers for July, these flowers are named for the Latin word for dolphin and their history goes back several thousand years.
Ancient folklore tells us that the first delphinium flowers sprouted from the blood of the Greek warrior Ajax. It was also used on ancient battlefields to prevent lice and to help in healing wounds. The blue flowers came to represent truth and protection. These traditions led to the association of delphinium with heroism, making them an excellent gift for first responders and those in military service.
While delphinium have been used to treat surface wounds, they contain toxins that are harmful to humans and most domestic animals. They should not be ingested and may cause a rash if handled without gloves.
These toxins have been advantageous in repelling unwanted pests such as scorpions and snakes. The delphinine toxins discourage rabbits and deer from nibbling on the plants. For centuries the flowers were also thought to repel witches and ghosts.
The most common colors of delphinium are blues and shades of indigo or purple. There are several hundred varieties that also include white and pink hues. The dried flowers have long been used to create a purplish-blue dye for fabrics as well as a blue ink.
Delphinium are commonly thought to be the same as larkspur but, in fact, there are several marked differences. While closely related, larkspur are annuals, dying at the end of the growing season, whereas delphinium are perennials. They will return year after year when planted in a well-drained, sunny spot in the garden.
Delphinium stems are tightly packed with numerous flowers, while larkspur flowers have a much less dense growth habit. Larkspur flowers each have one petal that forms a spike, resembling a spur, but delphinium flowers lack this.
Both larkspur and delphinium were popular as cut flowers in the Victorian era, where they symbolized love and levity. They remain popular in the garden today thanks in part to their ability to attract bees and butterflies.
While these elegant flowers have had happy, positive connotations for hundreds of years, the larkspur is referenced in morose poetry by both Alfred Lord Tennyson (Maud) and T. S. Eliot (Ash Wednesday). Perhaps these poets found the blue flowers to be somber rather than cheerful.
Lasting up to two weeks once cut, a gift of delphinium or larkspur won’t soon be forgotten. Whether you use them to represent heroism or levity, these bold flowers make a powerful statement.
In advance of the visitation you can send flowers to the funeral home, mortuary, or place of worship; sprays, wreaths or casket sprays are appropriate here. Be sensitive to the religion of the deceased; most religions accept flowers as part of the funeral tradition, though Mormon funerals do not accept crosses. Followers of Judaism receive flowers at the home of a close family member, after the funeral, never before (since they serve as a reminder of the life recently lost.) Orthodox Jews and Muslims may not welcome flowers at all. Hindu funerals don’t include flowers (though they’re welcome as a symbol of love and concern.) Buddhists do not appreciate red flowers, but other colors are welcome. To be safe, ask a family member or person arranging the funeral what’s the most appropriate action here.
A spray, sometimes called a standing spray, is a floral arrangement that’s usually placed on an easel, and is designed in such a way as to be viewed from one side only. A wide variety of flowers is appropriate for sprays and wreaths; from light colored traditional flowers that symbolize peace (for example lilies) , to bright colors and contemporary flowers. Standing sprays often celebrate a life of accomplishment, and wreaths signify eternal life; choosing flowers and colors, perhaps arranged in a shape meaningful to the deceased, is an ideal way to give thanks for the life of the departed. Also appropriate for the funeral home or mortuary is a traditional arrangement, often in a basket or a vase. Flowers from the visitation will be transported to the memorial service or grave site, so please, please, please, ensure your arrangement arrives at the mortuary or funeral home well in advance of the service. If your arrangement won’t arrive in time for the first visitation, arrange for it to be sent directly to the memorial service.
After the service you may want to send flowers in a basket or vase, or another floral gift, to the home or office of the bereaved. A popular gift at this time is a flowering plant, which will last longer than a floral arrangement, and offer peace and solace to the bereaved for longer. A peace lily would be appropriate here as a sympathy plant. Whatever flowers you send, they’re sure to give comfort and solace, and offer emotional support to the bereaved, especially when coupled with a written message expressing your heartfelt condolences.
The larkspur is also known as lark’s heel (by Shakespeare, no less), lark’s claw and knight’s spur. The genus name, delphinium, comes from the Latin word delphis, meaning dolphin, which shape the opening flower makes. The larkspur symbolizes an open heart and an ardent attachment, while also conveying feelings of lightness and levity. A word or two about your color selection.
Don’t let your pets snack on these flowers – the larkspur is poisonous, to animals and humans alike. Even today, North American ranchers delay letting cattle range on upper slopes until the late summer, when the flower is less toxic. Tiny quantities are sometimes used for medicinal purposes; in ancient times, drinking the seeds was thought to protect against the sting of scorpions. Too risky for this author!
The alternative flower for July, is the water lily. Water lilies symbolize all that is good, true and beautiful. Good fortune, truth of action and intention, purity of heart, and enlightenment are all signified by the water lily flower. The water lily flower has strong symbolic ties with many Asian religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism. In addition, the white water lily is the national flower of Bangladesh and State flower for Andhra Pradesh, India, while the blue waterlily is the national flower of Sri Lanka. 