Delphinium cardinale
A 3–6 ft tall California-native perennial with bright red flowers blooming in spring to early summer, heat-tolerant with minimal summer watering, and attractive to hummingbirds.
Common Names
Scarlet Larkspur, Cardinal Larkspur
Summary
Scarlet Larkspur is native to California and the western U.S., a tall perennial with erect stems reaching up to 6 feet and bright scarlet red flower spikes, featuring long slender stems with clusters of scarlet blooms that attract hummingbirds and bloom from June through September in open woodlands, meadows, coastal bluffs, and along streams.
Growing conditions favor full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil; sow seeds in fall or early winter for germination in 2–4 weeks, with regular watering but avoidance of overwatering; stakes or cages support tall plants, and monthly fertilization during the growing season encourages vigor; deadheading extends bloom and seeds can be collected in fall after seedpods brown; plant parts are toxic if ingested.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
3-6 ft
Spread
1-2 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4a–10b
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil Type
Well-draining loamy soil
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
5.0-8.0, Neutral
Bloom Color
Red
Bloom Time
Spring to Summer
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Leaf Lifecycle
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Fast
Seasons of Interest
Spring and Summer
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Division
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts hummingbirds and birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Hook.
- Publication
- Bot. Mag. 81: t. 4887 (1855)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Ranunculales
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Delphinium
Synonyms
Delphinium cardinale var. angustifolium Delphinium coccineum Delphinium flammeum