Remarks

The old fashioned larkspur is a drought tolerant reseeding annual, previously associated with delphiniums (now in the Ranunculaceae family). I’ve grown it in my alley, in the xeristrip, and its crept into my medium water-use zone. Deadheading keeps millions of tiny seeds from overcoming your garden next year, and also keeps the blooms coming. Larkspur can flower for six weeks. Again, deadheading is important to prevent a massive infestation throughout your landscape. The seeds germinate as early as November or December in wet years, but certainly by January, with bloom coming at the end of April or May. Larkspur provides a good transition between daffodils and tulips and your summer garden.

Use in Garden

Sunny bed or border. Western cottage garden. Alley garden.

Maintenance

Dead head the seed heads to prevent an infestation in coming years. Pull up plants and compost when then have finished flowering.