Overview
Delphinium cardinale is a perennial herb in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Delphinium cardinale grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or rocky soils. Suggested uses include wildflower gardens, naturalized areas and xeriscaping. It is native to California and Baja California.
About the genus
Delphinium is a genus of about 300 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also on the high mountains of tropical Africa. The genus was erected by Carl Linnaeus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Delphinium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Delphinium
In the garden
Delphinium cardinale is a perennial herbaceous species of Delphinium native to California and Baja California. In its native range it occupies exposed, open slopes with sandy or rocky soils, which informs how it performs in cultivation elsewhere. Flowering in the UK is observed from June to August when the scarlet blooms appear. Select a sunny to partially shaded, south-facing site that drains freely; chert or shale-like, sandy or rocky mixes suit the plant best. It tolerates dry to medium soil moisture, so avoid heavy, water-retentive soils and positions that remain damp after rain. An open, exposed aspect encourages a naturalised habit and reduces the risk of fungal problems that can occur in shaded, humid corners. Use Delphinium cardinale where a drought-tolerant, red-flowering element is desired: wildflower meadows, naturalised banks and xeriscaped borders are appropriate settings. Plants establish more readily in free-draining substrates and will show their best display in summer, with peak bloom between June and August when the scarlet flowers provide a clear seasonal statement.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Delphinium
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or rocky
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- exposed, open
Plant details
Delphinium cardinale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, xeriscaping
- Native to
- California, Baja California
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Delphinium cardinale
- Cultivation
- requires well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- remove spent flowers to encourage blooming
- Propagation
- seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Delphinium cardinale?
Requires well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Delphinium cardinale?
Delphinium cardinale prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and open positions.
What soil does Delphinium cardinale need?
Delphinium cardinale grows best in well-drained and sandy or rocky soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Delphinium cardinale?
Remove spent flowers to encourage blooming.
How do I propagate Delphinium cardinale?
Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Delphinium genus
- Delphinium 'Nora Ferguson'Larkspur
- Delphinium Hybrids, BelladonnaLarkspur
- Delphinium cheilanthumgarland larkspur
- Delphinium elatumalpine delphinium
- Delphinium grandiflorumlarge-flowered delphinium
- Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy'Larkspur
- Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly'delphinium 'Blue Butterfly'
- Delphinium grandiflorum 'Hunky Dory White'Siberian Larkspur