Delphinium Flower Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Delphinium Flower Facts
Delphinium is a tall, striking flower and is a staple in cottage gardens. Delphinium is a genus name with over 300 species of perennial flowers and is part of the Ranunculaceae family.
The name Delphinium came from the ancient Greek word “delphinion”, meaning “dolphin”. Dioscorides, a Greek physician, reportedly said that the flower achieve its name because it resembles dolphins. Its common name larkspur is shared by the annual species of the genus Consolida.
Delphiniums are native to the northern hemisphere but can also be found on the high mountains of tropical parts of Africa. The ruffled trumpet-shaped flowers contain stamens and bloom from tall stems which can vary from 10cm to 2m tall. The taller Delphiniums with bigger blooms are commonly found growing in forests while the shorter plants with smaller blooms grow in prairies and sagebrush steppe.
These beautiful flowers are one of the few true blue flowers found in nature. Delphiniums also commonly come in pink and white colors. Less common colors include red, yellow, and purple.
Because of their gorgeous hues and imposing size, Delphiniums are highly sought-after flowers for a garden. Even in ancient Egypt, Delphiniums are found to decorate mummies.
Delphiniums are highly toxic and every part of the plant can be poisonous to humans and other animals. When digested they can cause heart and lung issues, as well as death in severe cases. They can also cause irritation to the skin. This is mainly a concern for ranchers with grazing livestock like cattle and horses.
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Delphinium Flower Uses
Delphinium Flowers are highly popular garden flowers because of their bright colors, plentiful blooms, and size. Because of their height, they make it ideal as border plants in garden beds. In fact, they were dubbed “Queen of the Border” in England for this reason.
Hummingbirds, bumble bees, and butterflies are also attracted to Delphinium for its pollens making it an ideal addition to any garden.
These vibrant flowers are also great decorative plants for any accession. As mentioned previously, even the Egyptian mummies were decorated with Delphiniums.
Despite its poisonous properties, Delphiniums were historically used as medicinal plants. They were used to combat parasites like worms and lice. They were also said to be effective in curing asthma and scorpion stings, as well as helping improve appetite and sleep. Luckily, the use of Delphiniums as medicine was discontinued when their poisonous nature was discovered.
Delphiniums are also used by European settlers and Native Americans to extract blue dyes and ink.
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Delphinium Flower History
Native to the Northern Hemisphere and the high mountains of tropical Africa, the Delphinium Flower started as a vibrant wildflower that mesmerized people since ancient times. The Ancient Greeks called the flower Delphinion because of its resemblance to a dolphin.
Delphinium appeared in Pedanius Diocorides’s work on the pharmacopeia of medicinal plants, “De materia medica” where Delphinium’s medical use was illustrated. Delphinium was used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years up until its toxic properties were discovered.
Meanwhile in England during the Tudor dynasty, these bright tall flowers were given the name larkspur because the nectar sepal of the flower resembles the claws of a lark.
The Delphinium Flowers underwent centuries of hybridization starting most notably from the 19th century onwards. Breeders crossed species from different areas of the world to achieve more colors, larger blooms, and taller stems. Modern Delphiniums of today are the result of these hybridizations with over 300 species of Delphinium Flowers for gardeners to choose from.
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Delphinium Flower Positive Symbolism
Delphinium Flower symbolism is overall positive. Its common blue petals largely symbolize dignity and grace. Other common colors like white, pink, and light blue symbolize youth, remembrance, and new beginnings.
Gifting someone Delphinium Flowers brings a message of joy, fun, and happiness. They are also given to someone who is feeling down on life and needs encouragement. They can also signify someone to try new experiences or to broaden their horizons.
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Delphinium Flower Negative Symbolism
Delphinium Flowers are one of the few flowers with little to no negative symbolism. Throughout history, its many symbolism is overall positive. If we want to look closely, a possible negative symbol that Delphiniums represent is poison because of the flower’s toxic nature.
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Delphinium Flower Cultural Symbolism
Delphinium Flowers have inspired people from many different cultures throughout the centuries.
Egyptian mummies were found to be decorated with Delphinium Flowers. Ancient Greeks used the flowers in their medicine, believing them to protect against parasites, and scorpion stings, and invoke an increase in appetite and sleep.
The flower’s historic use to combat harmful parasites and stings evolved to the Delphinium becoming a symbol of protection.
In the flower language, Delphiniums were used to express encouragement, goodwill, and cheer. People would also plant Delphiniums to remember passed loved ones. Delphiniums are the official birth flower for those born in July.
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Delphinium Flower Zodiac Sign
Delphinium Flowers are one of the essential birth flowers of the zodiac Cancer. Those born under the zodiac sign Cancer are not prone to negative outbursts and usually display an attitude of calmness and serenity. The Delphinium’s symbolism of cheer, goodwill, and encouragement matches Cancer’s easygoing nature.
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Delphinium Flower in Dreams
Dreaming of Delphiniums can either be a good or bad sign, depending on the context of the dream and the current situation of your life. Beautiful blooms of the flower can indicate bad luck, misfortune, or a fear of commitment.
However, dreaming of many Delphinium Flowers can indicate the need to start something new or go on a new adventure.
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Delphinium Flower Omens and Superstitions
Delphiniums are believed to protect against bad luck and used to banish negative energy. The flowers were included in amulets as a charm to protect against scorpion stings and snakebites. They are also used to protect against ghosts. In England, bathwater is sprinkled on Delphiniums to increase their protection against ghosts.
Delphiniums were also once thought to possess magic for ritual means. They were often laid at the altars of Apollo.
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Delphinium Flower Mythology and Folklore
There is a Greek myth that explains the origin of Delphinium Flowers. During the Trojan War, the Greek hero Ajax died due to an injury on himself and from his blood sprang up the blooms of the Delphinium.
A legend on the origin of the flower’s name, it is said that Apollo, the sun god, greatly favors the blue flower to adorn his temple of Delphi. With its association with the temple, the blue flowers were named Delphinium.
