Dwarf Larkspur
Delphinium tricorne
Deep blue-violet spikes in April and May, then it retreats for summer. An early feast for long-tongued bumblebees in the shade garden.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
The native larkspur. deep blue spring flowers that hummingbirds and bumblebees seek out before almost anything else is open.
Dwarf Larkspur is a spring ephemeral that blooms in April and May with deep blue-violet to occasionally white or pink flowers on short, loose spikes. It emerges early, flowers brilliantly, then disappears by early summer, which makes it a perfect layering plant for shade and woodland gardens where the summer canopy closes in. Pair it with later-emerging plants like ferns or hostas that will fill the space it leaves behind. The deep-throated flowers are structured specifically for long-tongued bumblebees, and the plant is an important early-season resource before many other native flowers are open. The blooms can be cut for small arrangements. They're lovely in a spring vase. Note that all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested; plant with care in gardens used by young children or pets.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown dwarf larkspur propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Part sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 8"–1.7' · 6–12 in wide
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Bloom color
- Purple, Blue
- USDA zones
- 4–8
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native range
- Eastern and central United States, from Pennsylvania to Nebraska south to Georgia and Arkansas
Care notes for dwarf larkspur.
Plant in part shade to full shade in moist, rich, well-drained soil. Tolerates heavy clay better than most spring ephemerals. Allow foliage to die back naturally after bloom. do not cut prematurely. Self-sows reliably in suitable conditions. Toxic if ingested; handle with care.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside dwarf larkspur.
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