Alphabetical Plant Listing

Consolida ajacis (Giant Larkspur)

Giant Larkspur, Rocket Larkspur, Larkspur, Consolida ambigua, Delphinium ajacis, Delphinium ambiguum


Consolida ajacis (Giant Larkspur) is a showy annual with deeply cut, almost ferny leaves and attractive spires of deep blue, pink, pale blue, or white flowers throughout summer. Each flower is about 2 in. across (5 cm), consisting of 5 petal-like sepals, 4 petals, a single pistil, and some stamens with light blue anthers. The colorful blossoms are very attractive to butterflies, bees, and bumblebees. This plant develops quickly, shooting up like a rocket, hence the common name. Giant Larkspur is a cool weather annual. In hot summer areas, it tends to die out by mid-summer. Easy to grow, Consolida ajacis adds notes of bright color in the garden and draws attention from quite a distance. Excellent cut flower for fresh or dried arrangements.

  • Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). May self-seed in the garden in optimum growing conditions.
  • Performs best in full sun in moderately rich, well-drained soils. Appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Water freely in dry spells. Provide a sheltered location to protect your plants from strong winds.
  • A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens. For best visual impact, plant in groups.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Larkspur is deer-resistant.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms.
  • Propagate by seed: sow in early autumn and prick out in early spring, sow under cover in early spring, or sow outside in late spring.
  • Native to Southern Europe.
  • Leaves, flowers, and seeds are toxic if ingested.

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Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 11
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 9" – 12" (22cm – 30cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

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By Melinda Nagy, Shutterstock, Botanik Foto

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 11
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 9" – 12" (22cm – 30cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

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