Scarlet Larkspur

Delphinium cardinale

Scarlet larkspur is a spectacular California perennial that rockets up wands of brilliant red flowers irresistible to hummingbirds, a drought-tolerant, summer-dormant native for hot, sunny slopes. All parts are toxic.

Family: Ranunculaceae
Type: wildflower
Lifespan: perennial
Height: 3–6 ft
Spacing: 0.5–1.5 ft apart
Light: sun
Soil moisture: dry
Soil pH: neutral
Bloom: May, June, July
Bloom colors: red
Wildlife value: pollinators, hummingbirds
Landscape uses: border
Native states: CA