Candle larkspur
Delphinium elatum · Ranunculaceae
📷 Björn S. · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Chiens, chats et enfants : fleurs, graines et feuilles toxiques par ingestion, provoquent troubles digestifs sévères.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant candle larkspur: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- Up to 2 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very good (zone 3 to 8)
- Origin
- Siberia and Central Asia
- Soil type
- Well-draining, fertile
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Stake from the start since it reaches 200 cm: stems break easily in wind or under their own weight. Divide every 3 years in spring to keep stems vigorous and flowering, otherwise it'll exhaust itself gradually.
The common mistake
Leaving it unsupported or waiting until it's too tall to stake: wind damage ruins flowering and breaks stems irreparably.
The pro's trick
Pinch out the tips of young stems in June so they branch and produce more flowers, rather than having one giant stem that flowers less.
Care
Light Exposure
Place your delphinium in full sun for optimal flowering, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is tolerated in very hot regions. Avoid overly windy areas that could damage the tall flower spikes.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-draining during the growing and flowering period. Water regularly during prolonged drought, particularly in summer. Gradually reduce watering in autumn and limit it in winter when the plant is dormant.
Soil
Prepare fertile, well-structured soil enriched with organic matter (compost or decomposed manure). Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when vegetation starts. A second application can be made in early summer to support flowering. Prefer organic fertilizer or diluted fertilizer to avoid excess nitrogen.
Pruning and Staking
Install sturdy stakes in spring to support tall stems and prevent them from breaking under the weight of flowers. Remove spent flowers to extend blooming and encourage repeat flowering. Cut the plant down to ground level in autumn.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for powdery mildew and leaf spots, particularly in excessive moisture. Ensure good air circulation between plants. Slugs and snails can damage young shoots in spring. Good drainage prevents most fungal problems.
Did you know?
The tall delphinium owes its name to the shape of its flowers: the spur of the upper sepal resembles the curved talon of the lark. Cultivated since the 16th century in Europe, it was once used to dye fabrics blue. These magnificent blue, purple or white flower spikes remain essential in English cottage gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.