The name “Mary’s Tears” is derived from the resemblance of the droplet-shaped larkspur flowers to tears and is associated with the sorrow and compassion of Mary especially during the Passion of Christ. Seven tragic events in Mary’s life led to her being called “Our Lady of Sorrows”. They are: The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35),The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15), Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50), Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17), Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30), The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37), and The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47). Together these events are called the Seven Sorrows of Mary”. They are celebrated in the month of September with a feast day on September 15. Mary’s sorrow at the Crucifixion is singled out for recognition by the 13th century hymn, Stabat Mater, and is shown in many religious paintings like the one below by Rogier van der Weyden. Photo Credits: Wikipedia
Also called doubtful knight’s spur and rocket larkspur, this cool weather annual is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It is in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes columbine, monkshood, and hellebore. Plants grow 18-36″ tall depending on the cultivar, and have erect hallow stems that branched in the upper parts only. The palmate leaves are finely divided, the lower ones with long petioles while the upper ones are sessile. In late spring into summer racemes of blue, pink, or white flowers appear, first at the tips of the stems later from the upper leaf axils. Each flower consists of 4 reduced petals and 5 showy petal-like sepals, one of which forms a long nectary spur. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators including bumblebees. The bloom period is long where summers are cool but only 2 months where summers are hot. Plants tend to self-seed and are a good choice for a cottage garden. Many cultivars are available that vary most significantly in color, height, flowering time. Semi double and double forms are available. Flowers are excellent in both fresh and dried arrangements. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous.
Larkspurs like full sun with light afternoon shade in the South, and fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Plants are generally healthy but may be susceptible to powdery mildew and fusarium wilt. Deadhead to promote blooms. Propagation is by cold-stratified seed.
The genus name, Consolida, comes from the Latin word consolido meaning make firm and refers to the purported wound healing properties. The specific epithet, ajacis, honors the Trojan hero Ajax.
Karen