Larkspur
Delphinium spp.
Also known as
Delphinium
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Moderate watering
Tender
H2
RHS hardiness
1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2m | Max | |
1m | Min |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Larkspur
Larkspur Overview
Delphinium is a large genus containing over 450 annual, biennial and perennial species with fleshy roots, grown extensively for their cup-shaped, spurred and sometimes hooded flowers, which may be single or double and feature a huge range of colours. This genus has been widely cultivated to produce a range of different characteristics, including dwarfism, giant varieties and bicolour flowers. They are naturally found throughout the Northern Hemisphere and at altitudes in mountainous regions of Africa. Leaves are finger-shaped, sharply lobed and toothed. Different species in this genus grow to different heights, ranging from 10cm in alpine species to over 2m in species adapted to meadow habitats. The common name larkspur is shared with the related genus of annual plants, Consolida.
Common problems with Larkspur
How to propagate Larkspur
Seed
Sow seeds in late winter until early summer into trays filled with John Innes Seed Compost and cover with clear plastic, provide bottom heat and maintain temperature at 18-24C(65 -75F). Remove the cover when the seedlings appear, approximately in 2 to 3 weeks, Prick out into 7cm pots when large enough to handle. Plant out after the last frosts.
Cuttings
Propagate D.elatum hybrids by basal cuttings only.
Other uses of Larkspur
Grown for their spikes of irregularly cup-shaped, sometimes hooded, spurred flowers.
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