Delphinium Ajacis
Ranunculaceae
Season: Annual
Height: 3-4 Feet
Bloom Season: Spring to Fall
Exposure: Full Sun/Partial Shade/Above Average Moisture but Well-Drained
Zones: All Regions of North America
Rocket Larkspur Delphinium Ajacis is a delightful and easy to grow garden favorite. It is a winter annual, native to southern Europe and the plant has naturalized throughout the United States. Larkspurs are distinguished by a backward projecting spur, formed by the upper petal of the flower. Tightly compact blossoms are arranged on spikes in shades of pink, white, and deep blue. Rocket Larkspur produces attractive flowers on long spike-like racemes, therefore it is not surprising that this species is grown in flower gardens, from which it occasionally escapes.
Rocket Larkspur Delphinium Ajacis prefers full sun to partial shade in very well-drained soils. This plant develops quickly, shooting up like a rocket, hence the common name. It is a marvelous plant to accent any cut flower arrangement. The plant is likely to rot at the base in soils that retain excessive moisture, and it can re-grow following spring if seed falls on bare ground. Annual larkspurs are best suited for flower beds and borders where they may self sow year after year.
CAUTION: The seeds and leaves of the Rocket Larkspur are poisonous if consumed.
The plant attracts butterflies and bees.
The plant is great as a cut flower.
PLANTING
Sow Inside: Before last frost
Sow Outside: Spring/Fall
Seed Depth: 1/8 Inch
Days to Emerge: 15 - 30