Delphinium cardinale (cardinal larkspur) — perennial herb

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

Delphinium cardinale is a perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae that produces scarlet larkspur flowers. It comes from coastal and inland regions of California and Baja California. The plant favours exposed, south-facing positions on well-drained sandy or rocky ground. It tolerates dry to medium soil moisture and will grow in full sun or partial shade.

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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.