Delphinium
Common Names: Delphinium
Botanical names: Delphinium, (del-FIN-ee-um)
Availability: Year round, greatest availability in the spring.
Vase life: 4 to 12 days; varies greatly by species and cultivar
Storage temperatures: 32 - 36 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Spike shaped clusters of flowers 8 to 20 inches long on stems 18 to 48 inches long. Flowers are disc shaped, trumpet shaped, or dolphin shaped.
Color: Lavender, blue, dark blue, pink, purple, red, white
Botanical facts: The name is from the Greek word delphis (dolphin) referring to the bottle-nose shape of the flowers.
Design notes: Large spikes are wonderful for massed arrangements and garden designs. Useful as a line flower. Good vertical accent. Some varieties work well as fillers.
Purchasing hints: Purchase spikes with open flowers on the lower quarter of the spike and well-formed buds showing on the upper three quarters of the spike. Avoid spikes that are shattering blossoms and any stems with mildew infested foliage.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the water line. Cut stem ends water with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: Shattering blossoms or blossom fall is a sign of ethylene damage. Plant parts are poisonous, ingestion may cause illness.
Video Demonstration: