Plant Profile: Delphinium exaltatum

Tall Larkspur is a perennial herb belonging to the buttercup family, indigenous to the central and eastern regions of the United States. In North Carolina, it primarily thrives in mountainous areas, often found in clearings or along woodland edges. This plant can reach heights of up to 6 feet and propagates through rhizomes. It thrives in cooler summer conditions and struggles in high humidity environments.

The tall flowering stalk produces clusters of blue to purple flowers, and occasionally white ones, from July to September, attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Tall Larkspur flourishes in fertile, moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sunlight. In hotter summer climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade. This plant is ideal for cottage gardens, borders, or native plant gardens, and it creates a striking display when planted in groups or massed together.

Potential issues include diseases like powdery mildew, botrytis blight, leaf spots, and crown rot. Insects that may pose a threat include slugs, snails, aphids, leaf miners, stem borers, and mites. Taller specimens may require staking for support. It is important to note that this plant is toxic.