Unexpected Larkspur
Delphinium inopinum
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © courtney_m (iNaturalist #127017006)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Delphinium
- Species:
- Delphinium inopinum
- USDA Symbol:
- DEIN
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to mountainous regions, prefers open slopes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Requires cold stratification and cool germination temperatures around 55°F. Seeds need light to germinate.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Seeds should germinate at room temperature, without darkness; see http://www.delphinium.co.nz/Germination.htm