Delphiniums have been cultivated and hybridized for many years resulting in some name confusion. Delphiniums are often call larkspurs. While the larkspur and delphinium are similar, they are actually different plant species. Many of the delphiniums grown in gardens today are hybrids of Delphinium x elatum . The name delphinium is derived from the Greek word delphis, which refers to the dolphin-shaped flower buds before they open.
Flowers are usually blue, but also come in white, pink, red, violet, and purple.
The true larkspur is Consolida ambigua . The common name larkspur comes from the shape of the flower, which resembles a lark's spur or claw. Larkspurs have daintier flower spikes with fewer florets and fine, more deeply cut leaves. Some delphiniums grow up to 6 feet tall, making them excellent background plants. Others are much shorter.