Tall Larkspur

Scientific name

Delphinium glaucum

Description

The Tall Larkspur is a long-lived perennial wildflower species that typically grows about 1.5 m. This plant may also be known by the common names: Subalpine Larkspur or Barbey’s Larkspur. The leaves are dark green, rounded, deeply divided into three narrow lobes, and appear mostly around the base. The flowers are located on a terminal spike, are rich dark purple coloured, are fragrant, have five sepals, and blooms in July and August. These flowers produce seedpods that are greenish purple coloured, appear upright, and have dark points. The flowers are attractive to pollinator species like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. However, it is toxic to humans and livestock.

Planting conditions

Tall Larkspur grows best in normal to moist conditions with full sun or partial sun exposure. It can grow in a variety of soil types and a neutral pH level. These plants may be intolerant of stress such as high wind or drought. It can tolerate some shade, which helps maintain soil moisture, but should receive some sunlight to increase blooms. This wildflower naturally occurs in wet forests, moist meadows, or along stream shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
  • 8b
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 1.5 m
• Spread:
  • 0.5 m