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Annual Biennial

Consolida ajacis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

giant larkspur

An annual up to 1m high with feathery green leaves and flowers which are usually deep blue but can also be pink, white, or mixed blue and pink, in summer

Other common names
larkspur
annual larkspur
see morerocket larkspur
Synonyms
Consolida ambigua
Delphinium ajacis
see moreDelphinium ambiguum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Pink White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Consolida are upright annuals with deeply pinnately or palmately dissected leaves, and racemes or panicles of small, spurred, delphium-like flowers in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun; for cut flowers, cut when only the lowermost buds are open

Propagation

Propagate by seed: sow in early autumn and prick out in early spring, sow under cover in early spring, or sow outside in late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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