delphinium

A delphinium is a tall perennial flower with showy, spiked blooms, usually in blue, purple, pink, or white. It grows well in gardens and can bring a dramatic burst of height and color. Gardeners often stake the stems because wind can easily break them. The name is linked to the Greek word delphis (“dolphin”), since the unopened buds can look like a dolphin’s shape. You will often see these flowers in bouquets and formal arrangements.

Imagine a bright summer bed, where tall flower spikes rise above the rest of the garden. That picture often belongs to Delphinium, a genus of around 300 species. These plants are admired for their bold, upright shape and clear blue, violet, pink, or white blooms.

The name comes from the Greek word delphis, meaning “dolphin,” because the shape of the buds reminded early botanists of a dolphin. Delphiniums are often placed at the back of flower borders or used as centerpieces because they add immediate vertical interest. In old floral symbolism, they can represent lightness and cheerful openness, with an added note of bold spirit. Gardeners also value their fragrance-free, dramatic form for mixed bouquets and event styling. Their stems can break in rain or wind, so staking is common. All parts of the plant are toxic if swallowed, so keep them away from curious children and pets.