Martha Stewart's 'romantic' larkspurs are perfect for summer – and experts say they work both inside and outside the home
From a vase in our living room to a planter on our patio – Stewart's seasonal larkspur makes a cottage garden-inspired statement in every sized space
Martha Stewart's garden is a treasure trove of flora and fresh produce, serving as a constant inspiration for our own planting ideas. As the seasons change and progress, so too does Stewart's Instagram page and blog, which we keep (literal) tabs on.
Her latest venture comes in the form of brilliant, purple blooms. 'Gorgeous flowers are blooming in my gardens such as these purple and lavender larkspurs.' Stewart states in the caption of her recent Instagram post.
A member of the delphinium family, experts say that larkspurs are a gorgeous flower to grow at home, and also come in a few color variations.
'Larkspurs are romantic cottage garden plants that are hard to beat when grown in the yard,' says gardens content editor at Homes & Gardens, Thom Rutter. 'As Martha Stewart shows, tall flowering stems of lavender, pink, and white are right now filling borders, containers, and meadows with striking colors, often seen buzzing and humming with pollinators who adore these nectar-rich flowers.'
A post shared by Martha Stewart (@marthastewart48)
A photo posted by on
Larkspurs are truly a seasonal flower; as Rutter explains, these blooms don't last beyond a few months, but with proper care and attention, it makes their short lives very worth it.
'When considering how to grow larkspur, it is vital to remember while they are in the same genus - plant family - as delphiniums, larkspurs are different plants,' he explains. 'Larkspurs, or Consolida ajacis, are some of the best annual flowers, meaning that they germinate, grow, bloom and die all within one season. The delphiniums that most gardeners will know and love, with big and bold pale blue blooms, tend to be biennials or short-lived perennials.'
Proper conditions are crucial to a larkspur's growth. As such, Rutter recommends a few key practices in order to maintain these elegant flowers and ensure they grow to their full potential.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'Many different larkspur varieties look good in a flower garden or when placed in a vase indoors,' he says. 'These plants typically need a sunny spot with moist but well-draining soil, and with regular deadheading, these blooms can last long into the fall. One of my favorite larkspur varieties is Consolida ajacis 'Misty Lavender' - which produces delicate lilac-purple blooms on tall stems, a real showstopper when planted in the yard.'
For those with ample garden space like Stewart, we can't picture any better location for larkspurs than a wide, open field.
Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.
Her love of film is rivalled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
-
5 places you should always clean when moving into a rental
These spots are dirtier than you think – here’s how to make the space your own
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
10 things to keep out of your dining room, according to interior designers
These are the pieces that compromise your dining room decor – and the reasons why you should ditch them
By Sarah Warwick Published
-
Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection embraces flower power – this one item literally lights up a room
The latest decor drop includes a vintage-inspired flower lamp, which retails for under $48 – and it was the first thing in our carts
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Diane Keaton's new decor collection is a celebration of wit and playful irreverence – directly inspired by her quirky home
The collaboration offers a humorous twist to the most simple color palette of all – bringing Keaton's flare to our entertaining spaces
By Megan Slack Published
-
RuPaul's kitchen is sleek and sophisticated thanks to this unexpected cabinet color
RuPaul's black kitchen cabinets are undeniably bold, yet have a surprisingly soothing effect that get the expert stamp of approval
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Justin Baldoni's anti-trend kitchen cabinet color serves as the perfect 'blank canvas' – this style will never fade
The actor knows that this color transcends fads, so he used it for his kitchen cabinets - experts swear by the classic, calming shade
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Cynthia Nixon's sofa color is a 'cornerstone in modern interior design' – it's a classic for a reason
Cynthia Nixon's gray sofa proves that the neutral hue is anything but outdated, pairing the soft shade with some warm, natural materials for a trendy look
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Pastry chef Dominique Ansel shares the 3 most useful appliances every home baker needs in their kitchen
The celebrity pastry chef swears by these pieces of equipment to level up your home baking - and explains the one item he can't live without
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Martha Stewart's dining room taps into this timely trend – here's how to recreate the look
Martha Stewart's Skylands property in Maine has been decked out with a summer-ready tablescape, featuring collectible plates and coveted glassware
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jamie Lee Curtis's luxurious bedding is a favorite among sleep experts – and it's surprisingly low-maintenance
Jamie Lee Curtis's bedding has benefits for skin, hair, and sleeping temperature - experts say it is exceedingly simple to care for
By Sophie Edwards Published