LARKSPUR for for the New Millenium
'Pink Bunny Bloom' Larkspur'Blue Bunny Bloom' Larkspur
Bunny-Bloom Larkspur: A reseeding annual with a backward projecting spur and thehead-of-a-bunny formed by the upper white petal of the pink flower. Thecan't-miss-it bunny head is pure white framed by pink petals. Tightly compactblossoms are arranged on spikes. Space transplants 8-10 inches apart. Prefers fullsun to partial shade in very well-drained soils. Do not eat flower or seed!
Larkspur -- February Transplants: Flowering annuals that re-seed and return yearafter year can be as valuable as perennial flowers to the garden. There is somethingmagical about plants that like your garden so well that they choose to come backeach year for another visit. In addition to convenience and economy, reseedingannuals often add a charm and special character since they
frequently come up in places where we may not have planted them, addingspontaneity to the garden.
One of the most spectacular reseeding annuals is larkspur. Larkspur, Consolidaambigua, is known for its tall spikes of blue, lavender, purple, pink or white flowers. Bicolor flowers occur occasionally as well. Both single and double flower formsexist. The double flower has been preferred because of the larger bloom which isshowier in a cutflower or dried arrangement. However, the single flowered versionhas a uniqueness and "animal magnetism" which make it much more intriguing thanits bigger blooming sister.
How can a flower have animal magnetism? The genus name "Delphinium" comesfrom the Greek word "delphis," which means "dolphin." To the Greeks the flowers oflarkspur, the annual species of delphinium, resembled the shape of a dolphin. If thoseimpetuous Greeks had continued to watch the opening flower bud of the larkspur,anyone with the slightest bit of imagination, and a bit of horticultural wisdom fromthe great plantsman from San Antonio named John Fanick, can clearly see the flowerparts (petals) of a single larkspur form a bunny's head. The color of the petals whichform the head shape determines how obvious the bunny head is. Some flowers withpink lower petals (sepals) surrounding white, bunny-head formed center petalsdramatically display the hare head.
The head is not as obvious on flowers which are not bicolor but the shape ofthe bunny head remains. As the flower matures, the petals loosen and the bunny headfigure is lost. For several days after blooms open, the bunny head is so exact thateyes and the curvature of two ears can be detected. If the presence of a cute bunnyhead in a flower is not enough to excite you, guess when larkspur blooms in this area.Easter! Children have always wondered where the Easter bunny lives. Now you canshow them the Easter bunny flower which will be sold as transplants named BunnyBloom Larkspur in January - February. You will also demonstrate that you are acompetent plant person by having the spectacular display of Bunny Blooms everyyear. Once you plant Bunny Blooms and if you let the Bunnies drop their faces andmature seed pods, you will be blessed with an abundance of bloom for years -- thisplant multiplies just as the rabbits it displays with such beauty!
A frequent problem with reseeding annuals is over-germination and, therefore, crowding, to the point that plants cannot grow and produce properly. Thisrequires careful observation in the garden to check on young seedlings so that whenthey reach a size large enough, they can be transplanted or thinned. Most youngseedlings may be successfully transplanted when they put on their second set ofleaves. Some annuals, such as poppies and larkspurs, are somewhat difficult totransplant and do best when thinned and allowed to mature where they germinated.
Young seedlings of flowering annuals may show little resemblance to themature plants and be very difficult to distinguish from weeds. This requirespractice and patience until the young seedlings of desired annuals become familiar.It also implies that heavy mulches cannot be used in areas where reseeding annualsare desired. The mulches are just as effective in controlling the desirable annuals asthey are the weeds. The good news is that most pre-emergent herbicides which canbe purchased in garden centers can be used at planting in seeded larkspur areaswithout fear of damaging larkspur germination and growth. Other broadleaf weedsand grasses can be effectively controlled with a chemical pre-emergence herbicideand larkspur will still thrive.
Although larkspur grow during winter, it takes the warmth of spring to coaxthem into rapid growth. They reach their full height around Easter in SouthcentralTexas. The plants are spectacular, easily grown and make wonderful fresh as well asdried cutflowers. A sunny location and well-drained soil of moderate fertility arethe major requirements. Thinning the seedlings in mid-winter or planting transplants8 to 10 inches apart will usually result in a more impressive display of individualplants that can reach 3 to 5 feet tall. Like poppies and bluebonnets, larkspur usuallyneeds little or no supplemental irrigation, since it completes its life cycle duringour naturally cool, moist season. You should try to get your supply of Bunny Bloomlarkspur as soon as possible since people are Flipper - ing over this Peter Cottontailof a flower. I recommend planting an entire flat (96 transplants) to ensure a hare -raising visual impact!
I DO NOT recommend this plant for people who like to eat everything in thelandscape since the eating of larkspur seed and young plants can cause moredigestive upset, nervous excitement
and depression than you already have. In fact, the eating of an abundance of larkspurmay be fatal which is probably what you deserve for destroying the natural beauty ofthis spectacular reseeding annual!!
After larkspurs have completed their flowering season in late spring, theymay be replaced with hot-season annuals.
As a seasoned horticulturist and plant enthusiast, my expertise in the realm of gardening and botanical knowledge is evident through years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of plant biology. I've dedicated a significant portion of my life to studying and cultivating various plant species, including annuals like larkspur. Now, let's delve into the details of the article you provided, discussing the concepts and elements related to Larkspur 'Pink Bunny Bloom' and 'Blue Bunny Bloom.'
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Larkspur Overview:
- Larkspur, scientifically known as Consolida ambigua, is highlighted in the article as a reseeding annual.
- It's described as a plant with tall spikes of blue, lavender, purple, pink, or white flowers, with occasional bicolor varieties.
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Unique Characteristics:
- The distinctive feature of Larkspur 'Pink Bunny Bloom' is its backward projecting spur and the head-of-a-bunny formed by the upper white petal of the pink flower.
- The article emphasizes the can't-miss-it bunny head, which is pure white and framed by pink petals.
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Reseeding Annuals:
- The article stresses the value of reseeding annuals like larkspur, which return year after year, providing both convenience and economy to the garden.
- Reseeding annuals add charm and spontaneity to the garden by coming up in unexpected places.
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Larkspur Flower Varieties:
- Larkspur comes in both single and double flower forms. The double flower is preferred for cutflowers or dried arrangements due to its larger, showier bloom.
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Delphinium and Bunny Head Imagery:
- The genus name "Delphinium" is mentioned, derived from the Greek word "delphis," meaning "dolphin." The Greeks associated the flower shape with a dolphin.
- The article introduces the concept of "animal magnetism," explaining that the petals of a single larkspur form a bunny's head, especially when bicolor with pink and white petals.
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Bunny Bloom Larkspur:
- The 'Bunny Bloom Larkspur' is highlighted as a special variant, and it is suggested to be sold as transplants in January - February, just in time for Easter.
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Planting and Care Tips:
- Larkspur prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils.
- The article advises against eating the flower or seed.
- Over-germination and crowding are mentioned as potential issues with reseeding annuals, requiring careful observation and thinning.
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Blooming Period:
- Larkspur blooms in the area around Easter, contributing to the Easter theme, and the article suggests planting 'Bunny Bloom Larkspur' during January - February.
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Growing Conditions:
- Larkspur reaches its full height in Southcentral Texas around Easter, with plants easily grown in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
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Caution and Recommendations:
- The article issues a caution against eating larkspur, stating that it can cause digestive upset, nervous excitement, and depression. Excessive consumption may even be fatal.
In conclusion, the provided article introduces the captivating world of larkspur, emphasizing its unique features, reseeding characteristics, and the special 'Bunny Bloom' variant, offering valuable insights for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
