Photo of Delphinium exaltatum flower by Prairie Nursery

Photo by Prairie Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Delphinium exaltatum

Also Known As

  • Tall Blue Larkspur

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'-6'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 4a-7b

More Options

Delphinium exaltatum plant details

Delphinium exaltatum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Delphinium exaltatum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Delphinium exaltatum

USDA Zones: 4a - 7b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A late-blooming larkspur for summer AND shade, what could be better? This elegant woodland edge native loves humus rich, well-drained alkaline soils and native bee, butterfly and hummingbirds love it! Native from Maine to Massachusets to North Carolina and parts midwest.
Tall Blue Larkspur thrives in shade! Give it rich well-drained soil in light to medium shade and it will reward you with many years of brilliant blue flowers. Native to the woodlands of Ohio and Pennsylvania, Delphinium exaltatum it is an important mid-summer nectar source for hummingbirds with a much later bloom time than other Delphinium species? Hardy to Zones 4 - 7.

Gardening facts about Delphinium exaltatum plant

How to Grow Delphinium exaltatum

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Delphinium for your garden

aka Baker's Larkspur

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 18"-26"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium bakeri flower by Stan Shebs
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Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 12"-20"

Width: 15"-30"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium ceratophorum close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Yellow Larkspur

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium luteum flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Desert Larkspur

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10a

Size

Height: 6"-15"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium parishii flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Delphinium elata 'New Heights', Delphinium elatum 'New Heights Strain', New Heights Delphinium

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 4'

Width: 2'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium elatum New Heights Strain flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant
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