Stephen Albert
Consolida–commonly called larkspur looks very much like delphinium; they are members of the same genus. Larkspur has spurred, delphinium-like flower stalks in pink, blue, or white rising above feathery, softly downy, mid-to-dark green leaves. Larkspur is a favorite choice for cottage gardens and annual borders.
Larkspur is the name commonly applied to the annual species of Delphinium. There is a minimal structural distinction between larkspur and delphinium; delphiniums are perennials and the flower spikes are larger; larkspur is smaller, of looser form, and less imposing.
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Blue predominates in the annual larkspurs, but the colors range from white through pink and blue to deep purple; the wand-like spikes or loose racemes bear many flowers about the feathery, soft green foliage.
Annual larkspur is easily raised from seed. Seed can be started indoors in early spring or in the open after the soil has warmed in late spring. Larkspur can also be sown in fall in mild-winter regions.
Consolida Overview
Consolida, commonly known as larkspur, is a genus of annual plants closely related to the perennial delphinium. These elegant, upright plants produce tall spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. They are beloved for their delicate, feathery foliage and stunning vertical blooms that add height and drama to garden beds and borders. Consolida flowers are excellent for cutting and drying, making them popular in both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
Larkspur thrives in cooler weather and is best planted in early spring or fall in mild climates. Its height ranges from 1 to 4 feet, depending on the variety, and it is easy to grow from seed.
Six Ways to Use Consolida in the Garden
- Cottage Gardens
- Consolida is a classic choice for cottage gardens, where its tall, graceful spikes create a romantic, naturalistic look.
- Pair it with other cottage-garden staples like foxgloves, hollyhocks, or snapdragons for a layered display.
- Borders and Background Plantings
- Plant larkspur at the back of flower beds to add vertical interest and structure. Its tall flower spikes provide a dramatic backdrop for shorter plants.
- Combine it with plants that have contrasting forms, such as rounded flowers like zinnias or daisies.
- Cutting Gardens
- Consolida is prized as a cut flower due to its long stems and vibrant colors. Grow it in a dedicated cutting garden alongside other flowers like sunflowers or cosmos for floral arrangements.
- The flowers can also be dried for long-lasting decorative displays.
- Wildlife Gardens
- Larkspur attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
- Plant it near other nectar-rich flowers to support pollinator populations.
- Seasonal Displays
- Use Consolida for seasonal displays in spring or early summer. It provides color and height during the cooler months before heat-loving plants take over.
- Meadow and Naturalistic Plantings
- Its airy, wildflower-like appearance makes Consolida ideal for naturalistic gardens or meadow-style plantings.
- Combine it with grasses, poppies, or other wildflowers for a free-flowing, informal aesthetic.
Quick Care Tips for Consolida
- Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as the roots are prone to rot.
- Watering: Requires consistent moisture but not overwatering. Mulch can help retain soil moisture.
- Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall, as larkspur does not transplant well due to its long taproot.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting to support growth and flowering.
- Staking: Tall varieties may need staking to prevent the flower spikes from flopping over in windy conditions.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, but good air circulation helps prevent powdery mildew.
Design Ideas with Consolida
- Color Blocking: Plant large masses of a single color for a bold and dramatic effect.
- Mixed Borders: Pair larkspur with peonies, irises, or roses for a classic garden look.
- Meadow Gardens: Use larkspur with wildflowers like cornflowers and poppies for a whimsical, natural vibe.
- Drying and Crafting: Harvest the flowers before they fully mature and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place to create dried arrangements or wreaths.
Consolida is an elegant and easy-to-grow plant that can bring vertical beauty, wildlife appeal, and floral bounty to your garden.
Get to know Larkspur
- Plant type: Annual
- Growing Zones and range: Zone 4 to 10
- Hardiness: Tender’ plants die out in summer heat and humidity
- Height and width: 12 to 60 inches (30-152cm) tall; 8 to 12 inches (20-30cm) wide depending on the variety
- Foliage: Feathery, softly downy, mid- to dark-green leaves are palmate with many leaflets
- Flowers: 7-petaled flowers are 1.5 inches (38mm) wide on racemes or panicles
- Flower colors: Intense blue flowers also whites. pinks, rose, salmon, and carmine.
- Bloom time: Spring to early-summer blooms in Zones 8-10; summer blooms in Zones 4-7
- Uses: Informal gardens, cottage gardens; best when planted in groups of 20 plants or more.
- Common name: Rocket Larkspur, annual delphinium, rocket
- Botanical name: Consolida ambigua
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Origin: Western Mediterranean region to Central Asia
Where to plant Larkspur
- Plant Larkspur in full sun in Zones 2-7; plant in light shade in Zones 8-11.
- Grow larkspur in humus-rich, well-drained soil; larkspur will grow in average garden soil.
- Larkspur prefers a soil pH of 7.0-7.5.
Larkspur uses
- Larkspurs provide excellent foliage and bloom for the middle and back of a border.
- Larkspur’s pastel colors are set off to advantage against a dark background of evergreens.
- Dwarf varieties can provide color at the front of a border.
- Larkspur is excellent for cutting.
When to plant Larkspur
- Sow seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost in spring.
- Sow Larkspur directly in the garden from early spring to mid-spring as soon as the soil can be worked; larkspur can also be planted in fall.
- In Zones 9-11, seeds can also be sown in the fall for winter or early spring bloom.
- Repeated sowings at 3-week intervals lengthen the bloom season.
Planting and spacing Larkspur
- Sow seed indoors in six-packs or flats in sterile seed starting mix; set the sown pots in the refrigerator 2 weeks before moving them to a warmer (50°-55°F/10°-12.8°C) place for germination, which takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- Sow seed outdoors in evenly prepared soil.
- Space larkspur 8 to 12 inches (20-30cm) apart.
How to water and feed Larkspur
- Keep Larkspur well-watered but avoid wetting leaves.
- Fertilize larkspur with an all-purpose fertilizer in spring and midsummer.
Larkspur care
- Larkspur reseeds freely. Plants are easy to remove
- Some Larkspur varieties will grow tall and lean on other plants. Stake plants as needed.
- Shelter larkspur from the wind.
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong bloom; allow some flowers to set seed if you want them to self-sow for future blooms.
Larkspur pests and diseases
- Larkspur resists pests and diseases.
Larkspur propagation
- Larkspur is propagated by seed. Seeds germinate in 10 to 20 days. Chill the seeds for 7 days to improve germination.
- Lightly cover seeds with soil then firm them in with the palm of your hand.
- Remove spent plants and shake them upside down to scatter seeds.
Larkspur Varieties to Grow
- Consolida ajacis, formerly C. ambigua. Grows 12 to 48 inches (30-121cm) tall; ferny, palmate leaves; 6 to 24 inches (15-61cm) flower spikes in shades of blue, violet, lavender, white, or pink. Cultivars include: ‘Dwarf Hyacinth Mixed’ which is a blue, white, and pink mix; ‘Frosted Skies’ which has white flowers with blue edges and grows to 18 inches tall; ‘Early Bird Hybrids’ which grow to 20 inches tall; ‘Sublime Mix’ is 3 to 4 feet tall; ‘Giant Imperials’ grow 4 to 5 feet tall.
Larkspur frequently asked questions
Q: Can I grow larkspur from seed? I have no luck.
A: Start larkspur with fresh seed every year. Larkspur seeds are short-lived. Be sure the seeds are completely covered; they need darkness to germinate. Larkspur transplants poorly; sow the seeds where the plants will flower. Thin the seedlings to 9 inches apart.
Q: When should I grow larkspur to get the best results?
A: Start larkspur in early spring–about the time the soil can be worked. Larkspur grows best in cool weather. Grow larkspur in well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. It does best in slightly alkaline soil.
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