Species cardinal larkspur Guide
red-orange flowers with yellow-red stamens on red-brown petioles and stems

cardinal larkspur

Delphinium cardinale

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

Red Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cardinal larkspur needs to be watered fairly often to keep its delicate stems from drooping. During the growing season, the soil should be kept consistently moist by watering regularly. Water the plants early in the morning so that the leaves and stems can dry before nightfall. Provide enough water to moisten the entire root zone, but be careful not to waterlog the soil. Water every 7-10 days when the plants are in bloom, and every 3-4 days when they are actively growing. In the winter, when the plants are dormant, water less frequently, only when the soil feels dry to the touch.

sunlight

Cardinal larkspur (Delphinium cardinale) prefers a sunny location with 6-7 hours of direct sunlight per day. It will also benefit from some afternoon shade, especially in areas with very hot summers.

pruning

Cardinal larkspur (Delphinium cardinale) should be pruned back to the ground in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning during this time will not only promote new and vigorous growth, but will also help keep the plant in check and prevent it from spreading too far or getting too large. This species of larkspur can be pruned to about 6 to 8 inches in height. Shortening the stem will also help to encourage branching and encourage an even more abundant and colorful flowering in the summer. Regular deadheading or removal of dying and spent flowers can be done throughout the flowering season for even more prolific blooms.