Overview
Delphinium luteum is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Delphinium luteum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Delphinium luteum, known by the common name yellow larkspur, is a species of small perennial herb in the buttercup family bearing bright yellow cornucopia-shaped flowers. Endemic to the rocky, foggy hillsides of coastal Sonoma County, California, it is critically endangered, with about 200 individuals believed to be in existence as of 2005. The plant was never distributed beyond the coastal area of Sonoma and Marin counties, and has never been abundant. It has been listed as an endangered species since the 1970s. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Delphinium luteum
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Delphinium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Delphinium luteum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Delphinium luteum
- Propagation
- Propagate by taking pencil thick basal cuttings in early spring or propagate by seed in spring or autumn (cultivars will not come true)
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, earwigs, delphinium leaf miner, delphinium moth caterpillars, slugs, snails and caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, delphinium black blotch, crown rot and viruses
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Delphinium luteum?
Delphinium luteum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Delphinium luteum need?
Delphinium luteum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Delphinium luteum hardy in the UK?
Delphinium luteum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Delphinium luteum?
Propagate by taking pencil thick basal cuttings in early spring or propagate by seed in spring or autumn (cultivars will not come true).
More in the Delphinium genus
- Delphinium 'Nora Ferguson'Larkspur
- Delphinium Hybrids, BelladonnaLarkspur
- Delphinium cheilanthumgarland larkspur
- Delphinium grandiflorum 'Hunky Dory White'Siberian Larkspur
- Delphinium requieniiLarkspur
- Delphinium tatsienenseLarkspur
- Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation'delphinium 'Pink Sensation'
- Delphinium 'Centurion White' (Centurion Series)delphinium 'Centurion White'