Overview
Consolida is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Consolida, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Consolida grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildflower meadow, bedding, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Consolida, commonly known as larkspur, is a cultivar of upright annual plants within the Ranunculaceae family. It features a columnar, upright habit with deeply divided pinnate or palmate deciduous leaves. During the summer and autumn months, it produces clusters of small, spurred flowers resembling those of delphinium. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south, west, or east-facing aspect, preferring well-drained loam, sand, or chalk soils with neutral to alkaline pH. It is hardy in the UK (H6) and suits sheltered locations, making it ideal for a variety of garden settings including city gardens, wildflower meadows, and flower borders.
About the genus
Consolida is a genus of about 40 species of annual flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native to western Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia. Phylogenetic studies show that Consolida is actually an annual clade nested within the genus Delphinium and it has been treated as a synonym of Delphinium in Kew's Plants of the World Online. The name of the genus comes from an archaic use of consolidation, meaning "healing", in reference to the plant's medieval use for healing wounds.
Wikipedia contributors, "Consolida", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Consolida
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Consolida
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Consolida size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Bedding, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Consolida
- Propagation
- Sow in early autumn and prick out in early spring, sow under cover in early spring, or sow outside in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Consolida?
Consolida prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Consolida need?
Consolida is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Consolida hardy in the UK?
Consolida has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Consolida?
Sow in early autumn and prick out in early spring, sow under cover in early spring, or sow outside in late spring.