Candle larkspur, English Larkspur
Delphinium elatum
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Delphinium elatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Temperate areas from 3000 - 3600 metres. Grassy slopes at elevations of 1900 - 2100 metres in Tibet..
E. Asia - Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The whole plant, but especially the seeds, is anthelmintic, aperient, diuretic and emetic.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Aperient: A mild laxative.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Other
Rating:
The seed contains 1.7% alkaloids and is used as an insecticide.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Foundation, Massing, Seashore, Specimen. Prefers a rich well-drained soil that stays moist in the summer. Dislikes water-logged soils, it is liable to die out in heavy soils over winter. Requires an open sunny position. This species is the main parent of the many tall hybrid forms of delphiniums that are commonly grown as garden ornamentals. A variable species in the wild, varying in height from 40cm to 2 metres. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Special Features: Attracts birds, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of basal shoots in April/May, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame. Division in spring or early autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant are toxic. The plant is most toxic when it is young.