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Delphinium tricorne (Dwarf Larkspur)

Dwarf Larkspur, Spring Larkspur

Delphinium tricorne, Dwarf Larkspur, Spring Larkspur, Blue flowers

Delphinium tricorne (Dwarf Larkspur) is a multi-stemmed herbaceous perennial boasting finely cut, palmately lobed leaves and loose clusters of up to 6-14 spurred, blue to dark purple flowers in the spring. Blooming for about 3 weeks in mid-late spring, the flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), open in succession along upright fleshy stems. Each showy blossom features 5 spreading sepals, 4 very small petals, and a long tubular nectar spur extended behind. They give way to three horn-like fruit pods, hence the common name. Dwarf Larkspur creates a spectacular display in the spring woodland garden. Plant in drifts to enjoy iridescent blue-purple floral bouquets!

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in fertile, slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Provide a sheltered location to protect your plants from strong winds.
  • Attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, but ignored by deer and rabbits!
  • A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, or open woodland gardens. Best in groupings or massed. Makes excellent cut flowers.
  • Plants may be grown from seed and may self-seed in the garden.
  • All parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses. Poisoning is rare in humans, however, seeds and plants if ingested can lead to severe illness, paralysis, and even death.
  • Native to woods and rocky slopes from Pennsylvania to Minnesota and Nebraska, south to Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia.
  • Discover 50 blue wildflowers to add charm to your garden
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Delphinium (Larkspur): Plant Care and Growing Guide


Adding splendor and architectural height to borders, Delphiniums are elegant and stately perennials, biennials or annuals, which form incredibly eye-catching flower spikes in summer.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Delphinium
Common names Delphinium, Larkspur
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Delphinium New Zealand ‘Stars’ (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium New Zealand ‘Mini Stars’ (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium ‘Red Lark’ (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium Astolat Group (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium elatum ‘Million Dollar Blue’ (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium elatum ‘Million Dollar Sky’ (Candle Larkspur)

Recommended Companion Plants

Polemonium reptans (Creeping Jacob’s Ladder)
Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium)
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)

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Delphinium (Larkspur): Plant Care and Growing Guide
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Delphinium
Common names Delphinium, Larkspur
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Delphinium (Larkspur)
Not sure which Delphinium (Larkspur) to pick?
Compare Now

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