Delphinium

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Common Name

Larkspur

Scientific Name

Delphinium consolida

Plant Category

Annual, perennial or biennial

Location

Northern Hemisphere and tropical Africa

Height

10-16 inches

Width

5-8 inches

Blooming Season

Late spring to late summer

Plant Habit

Upright

Color

Red, pink, violet or white

Sun

Full sun

Soil

Medium moist soil

Water

Full moisture

Plant Characteristics

Toxic plants. Pollinated by butterflies and bumble bees.

Usage

Excellent as cut flowers, garden plants and bouquets

Information

Delphinium is a genus of about 250 species of annual, biennial or perennial flowering plants. The leaves are deeply lobed with 3-7 toothed, pointed lobes. The flower has five petals which grow together to form a hollow flower with a spur at the end, which gives the plant its name. The flowers are irregularly shaped and bloom in a loose, vertical grouping along the upper end of the plant's main stalk.  The seeds are small and shiny black. The main flowering stem is erect, and varies greatly in size between the species, from 10 cm in some alpine species, up to 2 m tall in the larger meadowland species. The plants are toxic. The stem and seeds contain alkaloids.

Growing Tips

Delphinium seeds should be sowed directly in garden in the spring. Space the plants about 6 to 8 inches apart. Level with the soil surface and carefully fill in and firm the soil gently. Delphiniums prefer the sunny locations, and are heavy feeders and drinkers. They thrive best in cool, moist climates. Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds on delphinium beds. Stake delphiniums as the bloom stalks develop, as they can easily break when the first wind comes along. Remove spent delphinium flowers as needed. Trim back to the ground in late fall after foliage dies back.

Common Problems

Common diseases include powdery mildew, black leaf spot, Botrytis blight, crown rot, and other fungal leaf spots. Aphids, leaf miners, and mites are common insect pests. Slugs also can be a problem in some areas, especially under wet conditions. Prevention is the best way to avoid problems. Choose well-drained sites and practice good sanitation by destroying infected and infested plant debris. If problems occur with crown or root rot, plant healthy plants into another garden location avoiding the diseased area. Do not propagate new plants from infected stock.