Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ranunculaceae

Genus:

Delphinium

Species:

Delphinium cardinale

USDA Symbol:

DECA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

180 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

red

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Hummingbirds:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

hummingbirds, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

May resprout after fire from root crown; seeds germinate well in post-fire conditions.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to dry slopes and chaparral

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 4-8 weeks before sowing.