Delphinium grandiflorum
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Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Common Name: Siberian larkspur
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Ranunculaceae
Zone: 4 to 7
Native Range: Eastern and northern Asia
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Description: Blue
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Deer
Uses: Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual

Culture

Grow in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Easily grown from seed. Needs protection from wind. Fertilize regularly. Remove spent flower spikes after bloom to encourage continued bloom and/or a possible second, albeit smaller, autumn bloom. A short-lived perennial that is often grown as a biennial or annual. Dislikes the heat and humidity of the deep South, but has better heat tolerance than many of the delphinium hybrids. Appreciates some afternoon shade.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This delphinium or Chinese larkspur is a loose, free-branching plant which typically grows 1-2' (infrequently to 3') tall and features loose racemes of gentian-blue (occasionally white) flowers. Individual flowers are complex and asymmetrical and feature five sepals, one of which is spurred into a distinctive prong resulting in the common name of larkspur. Palmately divided green foliage.

Problems

Powdery mildew, botrytis blight, leaf spots and crown rot can be problems. Slugs and snails can be particularly destructive problems. A regular insecticide and fungicide treatment regimen may be appropriate.

Garden Uses

Provides color and contrast to the perennial border. Effective in small groups or as a massed planting.

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