Larkspur (Delphinium)
Delphinium species. RANUNCULACEAE.
Planting and Growing Larkspur
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow larkspur in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and root structure of larkspur
- Plant hardiness and growing conditions for larkspur
- Season of bloom and planting time for larkspur
- When, how deep, and where to plant larkspur
- How to plant larkspur
- Watering, fertilizing, care, and pests or diseases of larkspur
- Landscape and container uses of larkspur
- Comments about larkspur and its features
Growing Larkspur
More than 300 species of usually upright, narrow, annual, biennial, and perennial herbs, 1–8 ft. (30–240 cm) tall, 18–36 in. (45–90 cm) wide. Textured, deep green, fanlike, coarsely lobed, deeply toothed leaves, to 8 in. (20 cm) wide.
Dwarf cultivars available.
See also Rocket Larkspur, Consolida ambigua, related annual plants with similar habit and care characteristics.
Planting and Care Guide
Blooms
Mostly blue or purple, sometimes cream, pink, white, or bicolored, starlike flowers, to 3 in. (75 mm) wide, with black, gold, or white centers, in summer.
Best Climates
Hardy. Zones 3–10.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained, sandy soil. Fertility: Rich. 6.5–7.0 pH. Best in low-clay soils.
Where and How to Plant
Spring in full sun to partial shade, 18–36 in. (45–90 cm) apart, when soil is workable.
Proper Care
Easy–moderate. Keep evenly moist. Fertilize monthly in early and late season. Mulch. Deadhead spent blossoms for repeat blooming. Stake taller cultivars. Protect from wind. Propagate by cuttings, division, seed.
About This Plant
Good choice for backgrounds, beds, edgings in cottage, formal, shade, wildlife, woodland gardens. Good for cutting. Attracts birds, hummingbirds. Aphid, slug, snail and fungal disease susceptible.
Warning:
Foliage, stems, and leaves of Delphinium species are toxic if eaten. Avoid planting in areas frequented by pets or children.