Dwarf Larkspur is a charming little native woodland ephemeral. It blooms for about three weeks from April to May and the racemes have up to 24 individual flowers. The blooms are a rich, velvety, dark purple and they possess a distinctive nectar spur. Many insects use the flowers as a nectar and pollen source, and hummingbirds have even been known to visit them! The plant is generally unpalatable and toxic to mammals.The root system is tuberous and will produce offshoots while the seeds will readily self-sow around the garden, leading to small colonies of Dwarf Larkspur. It is best to plant them in a sheltered location protected from strong winds as they can be quite top-heavy in bloom. Shortly after the flowers have been pollinated, the plants will start to go dormant. It takes a few years for Delphinium spp. to fill in and look robust, but they are long-lived and worth the patience!Sources:
Growing and Propagating Wildflowers by William Cullina
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
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Delphinium tricorne (Dwarf Larkspur) - 1 gal
Dwarf Larkspur
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
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Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
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Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
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Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.