Seasonal Flowers: Delphiniums
Each month of the year has its very own flower, some even have more than one. Also known as the larkspur, the delphinium is the birth flower of July. Knowing the flower of July makes gift-giving even more thoughtful as you can now purchase beautiful delphinium flower bouquets for friends and family with birthdays during this glorious summer month. The flowers also make a superb gift for parents of a new baby or simply as a fragrant natural décor for your home during July. Discover the different meanings of delphinium and how best to gift them to those you love.
The Meaning of Delphiniums
The flower derives its name from the Greek word, delphis, which means dolphin. The shape of the closed flowers is said to mimic the nose of a dolphin, hence its name. Interestingly, the flower is a member of the buttercup family, although it doesn’t have the yellow petals associated with the buttercup.
The History of Delphiniums
This beautiful flower has had many uses in different cultures throughout the ages. It was once thought that carrying delphiniums would protect you from scorpion stings, and there may be some truth to this as the flower can prove fatal when ingested by animals and humans. With this in mind, it is quite frightening to learn that the flower was used medicinally during the middle ages. The petals were eaten to stave off parasites and to induce sleep and promote relaxation. The medical experts in the middle ages were correct in some respects as ingestion of the flower leads to a lower heart rate and blood pressure which may well make you fall asleep. However, this could also lead to death!
Colourful Delphinium Flower Arrangements
The flower grows in shades of pink, white, blue and purple. The colour blue is said to represent new life, youth, dignity and grace, therefore making delphiniums perfect for a new baby gift. Have these flowers delivered to new parents as a thoughtful gesture and they will be certain to be absolutely delighted. White symbolises purity and is usually used in wedding bouquets but is also an elegant gift for a new baby. Pink delphiniums would be perfect for Mother’s Day and purple relay passion so would be ideal as a gift for your romantic partner.
Delphiniums for Weddings
As these flowers bloom in July, a popular month for weddings, delphiniums can prove to be cheap flowers ideal for wedding decoration. These large blooms are fantastic for table centrepieces and as part of the bridal bouquet. If you enjoy colourful displays, incorporate all different colours of delphinium in your wedding décor for a fun, fresh look. Delphiniums also make a sensational decoration for wedding arches and doorways.
Dream and Achieve
Other elements associated with the delphinium include the promotion of confidence, and achieving your goals. This makes them a great gift for friends and relatives that may be going for a new job or promotions or trying to better their lives in some way. Show them how you support them and are cheering them on with an arrangement of delphinium in their preferred colour. Work colleagues will also appreciate the gesture so why not use these flowers as part of a team-building event if you are a line manager or supervisor?
Pet Owners Beware
It is extremely important that you don’t gift delphiniums to anyone with pets as even a tiny amount of the flower is fatal to animals and humans. This means that these flowers should not be put within the reach of small children either. Double-check with potential recipients before you purchase these flowers and make them aware of any dangers should they not have animals or young children, just in case they have them visit their homes.