Items 1 to 30 of 30 total
Items 1 to 30 of 30 total
Larkspur
Uses:
- Garden Borders & Edges
- Container Gardens as a Thriller
- Cottage Gardens
Features:
- Low Maintenance
- Cut & Dried Flowers
- Attracts Bees, Butterflies & Hummingbirds
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sun
- Southern Facing Gardens
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Larkspur is a perennial flower that blooms from early Summer through Fall. It’s tall upright growth habit is great for fence lines or the back of borders.
Growing Larkspur
Larkspur is a member of the delphinium family. A fast-growing garden favorite, its blossoms are shades of white, pink, purple, or deep blue. The upright dark green lacy foliage may require staking. Larkspur is a low maintenance grower and is pest resistant. You can grow Larkspur from seed and the flowers are great as a cut arrangement or dried.
The Best Way to Use Larkspur
It is not often that you find a plant that blooms flowers in the color blue. This hard to find flower color will have you looking forward to it season after season. Hardy growing in zones 2 - 10, this upright plant reaches heights of 1-3 feet, and a width of 6-8 inches. Planted in partial to full sun, Larkspur prefers well drained soil. Deer resistant and drought tolerant, this plant is great for containers as well as along borders or walls. Keep in mind that Larkspur seeds and leaves are poisonous if eaten (mildly toxic to people or pets, dangerous for cattle.)
Good for fence lines or borders
Good as dried and cut flowers
Available in white, pink, purple, or deep blue colors
Typically 1-3 feet tall
Growing zones 3 to 8
About Larkspur
Genus
Delphinium
Species
300+
Family
Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae),
Common Names:
Lark's Heel, Lark's Claw and Knight's Spur.
Native To:
North America
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
2-11
Flower Color:
Pink, indigo, blue, purple, and white
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring and Summer
Growth Habit:
Upright
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Tolerates:
Frost
Resists:
Pests and disease
How To Use Larkspur In The Garden
A classic cottage garden staple, larkspur showcases tall flower spikes in shades of pink, indigo, blue, purple, and white. The finely divided foliage hints at an old-fashioned charm, while the airy flower spikes bring delicate color to the early summer scene. Cooler springtime weather initiates the most abundant display, and many gardeners relish the self-seeding habit for future plantings at no extra cost. Whether used in bouquets or left to grace the backyard, it consistently delivers a strong seasonal highlight.
Place larkspur near the back of borders, letting the spires form a backdrop for more rounded or lower-growing plants. Combine these elegant spikes with timeless cottage favorites such as foxgloves and old roses to evoke a vintage feel. In larger gardens, sow annual larkspur en masse for a sweeping tapestry of color in late spring and early summer. Additionally, larkspur flowers make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements, retaining their color well when dried.
Larkspur Care
Larkspur grows best in rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Plant it in full sun to partial shade. Water consistently, about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, and mulch the root zone to retain moisture. Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring and switch to a bloom-boosting formula when buds appear.
Prune spent flowers to encourage reblooming and trim stems in summer to promote growth. After the first freeze, cut back foliage and mulch for winter protection. For container growing, use well-draining soil, water regularly, and fertilize every few weeks with a bloom-friendly formula.
Learn More About Larkspur
Larkspur Companion Plants
Larkspur are perfect for creating a lovely flower garden or where you need a thriller/filler for your container arrangement. Some great plants to combine with larkspur are sunflower, hollyhock, tall ornamental grasses, joe pye weed, foxglove, cosmos and roses. You can even plant in your vegetable garden to add a pop of color there.
