Candle Larkspur
Delphinium elatum
- Native to:
- Austria, Belarus, China, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine
Ermell
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Delphinium
- Species:
- Delphinium elatum
- USDA Symbol:
- DEEL2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 180 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple, white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool, mountainous regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–28 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 2-4 weeks to break dormancy; sow at 15-20°C after stratification.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.