Blue violet larkspur

Filler · Ranunculaceae

Larkspur

Consolida ajacis

Also known as Rocket larkspur and Annual delphinium

Airy spikes of spurred flowers traditionally associated with an open heart and lightness.

Colour: Blue violet

Often read as an open heart.

Use in a bouquet All flowers

Toxic to cats and dogs. Read the pet-safety note

Peak season
Jun–Jul
Vase life
5–8 days
Birth month
July
Colours
5

What the larkspur means

Larkspur takes its name from the spur on each flower, thought to resemble the hind claw of a lark. Victorian flower dictionaries read it as lightness or levity, with pink marking fickleness, while modern guides often give it as an open heart and ardent attachment. It is a traditional July birth flower in the US, shared with the water lily. Larkspur is a close relative of delphinium, and both contain toxic alkaloids, which may be why some old folklore credited it with keeping scorpions and other creatures away.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

  • Birthday
  • Just because
  • Anniversary
  • Thank you

By colour

  • Blue violet Often read as an open heart.
  • Lavender Associated with first love in modern use.
  • Pink Victorian lore read it as fickleness; now simply sweet.
  • White Often given for happiness and lightness.
  • Purple Sometimes read as ardent attachment.

Keeping it fresh

Early to mid-summer from field growers; also sold dried.

  1. 1 Larkspur drops florets when exposed to ethylene; keep it away from fruit and fading flowers.
  2. 2 Recut stems and remove foliage below the waterline.
  3. 3 Change the water every two days; florets open from the bottom up.
  4. 4 Hang bunches upside down to dry; larkspur holds its color well.

Pet safety

  • cats Toxic
  • dogs Toxic
  • horses Toxic

ASPCA lists larkspur (Delphinium species) as toxic (diterpene alkaloids): colic, drooling, tremors, weakness, and in severe cases heart or breathing failure.

Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Birth flower · July

July's flower, shared with the water lily.

Choose “Birthday” in the studio and pick July — the larkspur leads the bouquet.

Did you know

Larkspur is a close relative of delphinium, whose name comes from the Greek for dolphin, after the shape of its unopened buds.

Pairs well with

Make your own larkspur bouquet

Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.

Open Flower Studio