Swamp Larkspur

Delphinium uliginosum

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Genus:
Delphinium
Species:
Delphinium uliginosum
USDA Symbol:
DEUL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers wet meadows and marshy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Requires light for germination; sow seeds on surface and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Seeds should germinate at room temperature, without darkness; see http://www.delphinium.co.nz/Germination.htm

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society