Larkspur.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Annual flowering plant

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 3 feet tall

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 2 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Provide full sun and well-draining soil for best results. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Support taller varieties with stakes to keep them upright.

Watering

Water regularly, especially when establishing and during dry spells. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Feeding

Fertilize sparingly once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote further blooming and to manage self-seeding.

Repotting

As an annual, larkspur is typically grown from seed and does not require repotting.

Soil

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

10 to 24°C

Humidity

30 to 50%

Safety

People

Ingestion of plant parts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. The seeds contain alkaloids which can be more potent if consumed in quantity.

Pets

Toxic to pets, especially if ingested; can cause digestive upset and other symptoms.

Children

While not highly toxic, ingestion of plant parts or seeds by small children may cause mild stomach upset. Best to discourage casual nibbling.

Contact allergens

No significant contact allergens are typically noted for this species.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause seasonal respiratory irritation for sensitive individuals.

Edibility

While not typically considered edible, all parts of this plant may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

• Tall, upright flower spikes
• Deeply cut, feathery leaves
• Spur-like calyx on flowers
• Various vibrant colors
• Annual growth habit

Height

0.3 to 0.9m

Spread

0.15 to 0.3m

Leaves

Green, deciduous

Flowers

Blue, Pink, Purple, White, Red, 2.5 to 5cm

Common problems

• Powdery Mildew — A common fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems, especially in humid conditions.
• Aphids — Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
• Leaf Spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing discolored spots on leaves, which can lead to premature leaf drop.

Growing it

Propagation

Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant with low-growing, spreading flowers to complement the vertical growth habit of Consolida ajacis.

Grows well with

• California Poppy — These two bloom at similar times and have complementary colors, creating a beautiful cottage garden effect.
• Forget-Me-Not — Forget-me-nots provide a lovely blue contrast and ground cover that pairs well with the upright spikes of Consolida.
• Sweet Alyssum — Its low-growing habit and masses of tiny flowers help fill in gaps and create a fuller planting.

Keep away from

• Cabbage Worm — The larvae of these butterflies can feed on the foliage, though they are more commonly associated with brassicas.
• Slugs — Slugs can chew holes in the leaves and damage young seedlings, especially in moist conditions.

Similar species

• Larkspur — While sometimes confused, Delphinium species are perennials or biennials, whereas Consolida ajacis is an annual, and they differ subtly in flower structure.
• Monkshood — Monkshood also has spurred flowers but is highly toxic and has a more robust, woody growth habit. It belongs to a different plant family.

Science

Family

Ranunculaceae

Genus

Delphinium

Order

Ranunculales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Mediterranean region, Europe.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

This annual plant thrives in open, disturbed areas and fields, often growing amongst grasses and low shrubs where it can receive adequate sunlight and drainage.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, pollen source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

cut flower, ornamental, wildflower garden

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

What is the best way to grow Consolida ajacis?

Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall in well-drained soil. They prefer full sun to partial shade.

How tall does Consolida ajacis get?

They typically grow to be 1 to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

When does Consolida ajacis bloom?

Blooming usually occurs from late spring through summer, with peak flowering in early to mid-summer.

Do I need to deadhead Consolida ajacis?

Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if you don't want it to spread.

Is Consolida ajacis a perennial?

No, Consolida ajacis is an annual, meaning it completes its life cycle in one growing season.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Consolida' derives from the Latin 'consolare', meaning 'to console,' possibly referencing historical medicinal uses. 'Ajacis' refers to Ajax, a hero of Greek mythology, though the exact connection isn't perfectly clear.

Good to know

• It's sometimes called 'Larkspur' although true Larkspurs are in the genus Delphinium.
• The name 'Consolida' comes from the Latin 'consolare', meaning 'to console', possibly referring to medicinal uses.
• This annual is often grown from seed sown directly in the garden in fall or early spring.
• Its flowers come in a wide range of colors, including blues, pinks, purples, and whites.