Scarlet Larkspur – Delphinium cardinale (del-FIN-ee-um kar-dih-NAL(or NAYL)-ee)

Family: Ranunculaceae (Ranunculus or Buttercup Family)

Native to: Southwestern CA from Monterey to San Diego Co. & Baja (locally in Santa Monica Mtns);

hot, dry openings and slopes (often talus) in chaparral below 5000 ft.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 3-6 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Tall herbaceous perennial from a woody root. Foliage dies back prior to flowering and entire plant

dies to the ground in summer drought. Leaves medium green, finely lobed (typical of Delphiniums).

Like all Delphiniums, all plant parts are quite toxic when eaten, particularly the roots.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring/early summer – usually May-June. Cardinal red & yellow

flowers on tall flowering stalks. Flowers are 2 inches long, pea-like with characteristic ‘spur’. This is

an extremely showy plant in bloom. When massed they are unusually lovely & exotic.

Uses in the garden: Makes a wonderful tall summer perennial for the backs of water-wise flower

beds. Does well on dry hillsides and other difficult to water places. Good choice in part-shade under

oaks or other summer-dry trees/shrubs. Flower stalks make lovely cut flowers. Likes heat.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Delphiniums.

Attracts: Excellent hummingbird & butterfly habitat; hummingbird pollinated.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun (along immediate coast) to part shade (morning sun or dappled sun best).

Soil Well-drained; rocky is great. Any local pH.

Water Needs summer dormant period; no summer water after blooming (Zone 1).

Fertilizer None needed, but light fertilizer OK.

Other Fine with organic mulches.

Management: Hollow stems – plants likely will need to be staked. Cut back dead stalks.

Propagation: from seed: need moist/cold treatment by cuttings: ??

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 11, 13, 16, 19, 20, 31 5/2/11 * Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND