Species Carolina larkspur
white-blue flowers with green leaves and gray-green stems

Carolina larkspur

Delphinium carolinianum

Carolina larkspur is an amazing perennial plant native to Southern and Eastern United States and Northern Mexico. This species is a prairie wildflower of the buttercup family featuring vivid violet-blue blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees. During the summer, Carolina larkspur's tall flower spikes will add beauty, color, and height to any garden. It also stands out because of its fern-like divided foliage and its tough stem coated with a grayish-white bloom. This species is drought tolerant, deer resistant and very easy to grow, making it a great choice for any garden. With its stunning blooms, Carolina larkspur is definitely a winner.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Blue-violet Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Carolina larkspur should be watered regularly during its active growing season. Water it once a week during temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Give the plant enough water that it covers the top inch of the soil and reaches the plant's root structure. Make sure to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. In hotter climates, water more frequently or every few days. If you live in a cooler climate, you can water once every 2 weeks. During the winter, you don't need to water as much, however, you should still provide enough to keep the roots moist. Be sure to check the soil before watering and ensure it is not overly wet.

sunlight

Carolina larkspur prefers full sun to partial shade, with the most intense light occurring during the early morning and late afternoon hours. They grow best in light, well-drained soil, and may require supplemental irrigation during periods of longer than normal dry spells. The plants require 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis and prefer areas where temperatures remain mild. In areas where temperatures are extreme, additional sunlight may be needed to promote healthy growth.

pruning

Carolina larkspur should be lightly pruned in early spring before new growth begins and again shortly after flowering. To prune, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, then trim away old flowering stems, removing about 1-third of last season’s growth and any shoots that are too long. Prune lightly so as to not reduce long-term flowering potential.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Carolina larkspur typically begins flowering in April.

Hardiness Map