Posted 1:23 am Thursday, April 15, 2010
Blue Blossoms The Flowers Of Her Dreams
At last, I have the bluest, blue flower of my dreams. I could sit and look at it all day long: “Blue Butterfly” Larkspur, the bluest, gentian-blue flower. It is Delphinium grandiflorium, also called Chinese, Bouquet, or Siberian Larkspur. It does not grow its blooms up a stalk as other Larkspurs, and it does not have as well-defined a spur, from which they get their name; however, it is so beautiful that mere words just can not describe it.
FEATURED FLOWER: Delphinium grandiflorium ‘Blue Butterfly” Chinese Larkspur will grow in USDA Zones 4 - 8. It will bloom from now until late spring. It grows 12 to 14 “ tall, and needs to be at least 6” apart. It likes rich, moist soil in a sunny location. If spent blooms are removed, it will re-bloom.
I am just so happy to have accidentally found them growing at a local nursery. There were only two pots left, and I grabbed them, somewhat hastily. I tried not to gloat. I was almost giddy.
Somewhere deep inside my brain there must be an area so fundamental in its makeup that it craves this color. It must be like an insect brain, drawn to the color. If only I could envelop myself in a cocoon of this gorgeous, luscious blue. For me, it is the true blue; the blue standard, to which all others are compared. While I love blue flowers of any shape, shade, or hue, this is “the one.” Now, like a true plant addict, I am thinking about getting more for next year. I think it is called an obsession.
Somewhere deep inside my brain there must be an area so fundamental in its makeup that it craves this color. It must be like an insect brain, drawn to the color. If only I could envelop myself in a cocoon of this gorgeous, luscious blue. For me, it is the true blue; the blue standard, to which all others are compared. While I love blue flowers of any shape, shade, or hue, this is “the one.” Now, like a true plant addict, I am thinking about getting more for next year. I think it is called an obsession.
Possession of a desired object is the driving force that causes all collectors to collect. It might start out with purchasing just one kind of thing; but then, with the thrill of the hunt, and the closing of the deal, it is “the more the merrier.” I know someone with quite a few cream pitchers, for which there is really no explanation except, “they were so pretty.” Lame, perhaps, but at least it is a small indiscretion; not like, say, collecting cars.
Many plants inspire this desire for possession. Think of day lilies, irises, orchids, camellias, and the all-powerful tulip, for example. Gardeners, who love these plants, think they will be satisfied, if they acquire just this new one; but somehow, it is never enough.
Many plants inspire this desire for possession. Think of day lilies, irises, orchids, camellias, and the all-powerful tulip, for example. Gardeners, who love these plants, think they will be satisfied, if they acquire just this new one; but somehow, it is never enough.
Alas, I guess I am caught in the web of blue-ness. I also planted a lovely blue iris, and of course, my beloved blue morning glories, along side white moon flower, and soon, I will have even more perfection. How lucky is this?
My usually bright blue hydrangeas are not doing well this year. I had to move most of them to a shadier spot, or cut them back late in the season, so I do not have blossoms. Next year will be better for them. Meanwhile, I will be on the look-out for other blues to satisfy my desire for blue, even though it will only be a temporary fix.
Don't forget that the SMITH COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS' SPRING GARDEN TOUR is MAY 1, 2010.
My usually bright blue hydrangeas are not doing well this year. I had to move most of them to a shadier spot, or cut them back late in the season, so I do not have blossoms. Next year will be better for them. Meanwhile, I will be on the look-out for other blues to satisfy my desire for blue, even though it will only be a temporary fix.
Don't forget that the SMITH COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS' SPRING GARDEN TOUR is MAY 1, 2010.
