Why is 'Delphinium' a common crossword clue?

Delphinium is a popular crossword clue due to its distinct botanical name, its vibrant colors (especially blue), and its well-known common name, Larkspur, which offers a different letter count for setters. Its unique characteristics, like its tall spikes, also provide good thematic variations for clues.

Are all Delphiniums blue?

While blue is the most iconic color for Delphiniums, they also come in various shades of purple, pink, white, and even some bi-colors. However, the deep blue varieties are often what come to mind, making 'BLUE' a common answer in puzzles.

What's the difference between Delphinium and Larkspur?

Larkspur is the common name for annual varieties of plants in the Delphinium genus. While all Larkspurs are Delphiniums, not all Delphiniums are Larkspurs (as some are perennial varieties). In crosswords, 'LARKSPUR' is often a direct synonym or alternative answer for clues involving Delphinium.

crossword delphinium – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a clue related to "crossword delphinium," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Whether you need a short or long answer, we've got you covered.

Solutions for "crossword delphinium" by Letter Count

4 Letters

BLUE: Many delphinium varieties are known for their vibrant blue flowers.

TALL: Delphiniums are often characterized by their tall stature.

5 Letters

SPIKE: Delphiniums typically have tall, upright flower spikes.

PLANT: Delphinium is a type of flowering plant.

6 Letters

FLOWER: Delphinium is a beautiful flowering plant often found in gardens.

GARDEN: Delphiniums are popular ornamental plants grown in gardens.

8 Letters

LARKSPUR: Larkspur is a common name for plants in the Delphinium genus, particularly annual varieties.

9 Letters

PERENNIAL: Delphiniums are popular perennial garden plants, meaning they return year after year.

More About "crossword delphinium"

The clue "crossword delphinium" points to one of the most beloved and visually striking garden plants. Delphiniums, belonging to the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, are famed for their tall, majestic spires of densely packed flowers. They are a classic choice for cottage gardens and borders, adding vertical interest and a burst of color, most notably true blue, which is rare in the plant kingdom.

In the world of crosswords, botanical terms like Delphinium are frequently used due to their specific, often multi-syllabic names and common synonyms. Clues referencing Delphinium might lead to answers about its appearance (like SPIKE or BLUE), its classification (FLOWER, PERENNIAL, PLANT), or its more common alias, LARKSPUR. Understanding these connections is key to unlocking various crossword puzzles.

The name "Delphinium" itself comes from the Greek word 'delphis', meaning dolphin, referring to the shape of the flower buds, which are said to resemble a dolphin's snout. This rich etymology can sometimes inspire clever wordplay in more challenging crosswords, tying the plant's characteristics to its linguistic roots.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Synonyms: For plant clues like 'delphinium', always think of common names. 'Larkspur' is the most common alternative for Delphinium.
Look at Characteristics: Does the plant have a distinctive color (BLUE)? A unique shape (SPIKE)? Is it a certain type of plant (PERENNIAL, FLOWER)? These can often be the answers.
Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer box is your most crucial hint. Filter potential answers by length immediately.
Cross-Reference with Other Clues: If a letter is given by an intersecting word, use it to narrow down your options for the Delphinium clue.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Delphiniums hard to grow?

Delphiniums can be a bit finicky and are often considered moderately challenging to grow. They prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. They are also prone to pests like slugs and snails and may require staking to support their tall flower spikes, which could be another crossword clue!

What does 'perennial' mean in a crossword context?

In crosswords, 'perennial' refers to a plant that lives for more than two years, returning year after year without needing to be replanted. This is a common botanical term used to distinguish such plants from 'annuals' (which complete their life cycle in one season) or 'biennials' (two seasons).

Can 'Delphinium' ever be the answer itself in a crossword?

Yes, absolutely! If a clue is very specific, such as "Tall blue garden flower named after a sea creature," or "Genus of plants including Larkspur," the answer could indeed be DELPHINIUM, especially if the letter count fits.