Blochman’s Larkspur: A Rare California Native Worth Growing
If you’re looking to add a touch of wild California beauty to your garden, Blochman’s larkspur (Delphinium parryi blochmaniae) might just be the perfect choice. This stunning perennial brings the drama of towering blue flower spikes to native plant gardens, though its rarity makes it a special treasure that requires thoughtful cultivation.
What Makes Blochman’s Larkspur Special?
Blochman’s larkspur is a true California native, found exclusively within the Golden State’s diverse landscapes. As a subspecies of Parry’s larkspur, this herbaceous perennial forb showcases the classic delphinium form we all love – tall, elegant spikes adorned with deep blue to purple flowers that seem to reach for the sky.
The plant’s botanical name, Delphinium parryi blochmaniae, honors both Charles Christopher Parry, a prominent 19th-century botanist, and likely Hermann Blochman, connecting this beautiful wildflower to California’s rich botanical history.
Where Does It Grow Wild?
This larkspur calls California home, thriving in the state’s unique Mediterranean climate and varied topography. You’ll find it gracing coastal ranges and scattered throughout specific regions where conditions are just right for its particular needs.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important to know: Blochman’s larkspur has a conservation status that suggests it’s not as common as we’d like. With a Global Conservation Status of S4T2, this plant is considered uncommon to rare in its native range. If you’re considering adding it to your garden, please make sure you source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or seed suppliers who propagate their own stock rather than collecting from wild populations.
Why Grow Blochman’s Larkspur?
There are several compelling reasons to welcome this native beauty into your landscape:
- Native plant benefits: As a California native, it’s perfectly adapted to local conditions and supports native ecosystems
- Pollinator magnet: The tubular flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal irrigation
- Striking appearance: Those tall flower spikes create dramatic vertical interest in any garden
- Low maintenance: Being a native perennial, it naturally fits into California’s seasonal rhythms
Perfect Garden Settings
Blochman’s larkspur shines in native California gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes. It works beautifully as a background plant in mixed native borders, where its height (typically reaching 3-5 feet) provides structure behind shorter plants. Consider it for cottage-style native gardens, where its informal spikes complement other wildflowers and grasses.
This larkspur is particularly suited for gardens in USDA hardiness zones 8-10, making it perfect for most of California’s coastal and inland regions.
Growing Blochman’s Larkspur Successfully
Like many California natives, this larkspur has some specific preferences that, once understood, make it quite easy to grow:
Planting Tips
- Plant in fall to take advantage of winter rains
- Choose a location with well-draining soil – soggy conditions are this plant’s enemy
- Partial shade to full sun works well, though some afternoon shade in hot inland areas is beneficial
- Space plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature size
Care and Maintenance
The beauty of growing natives is their low-maintenance nature once established. Water regularly the first year to help roots establish, then reduce irrigation significantly. Like many California natives, Blochman’s larkspur may go dormant during hot summer months – this is completely natural, so don’t panic if it seems to disappear!
Allow the plant to set seed if you want it to naturalize (and help increase its numbers), or deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.
A Garden Investment Worth Making
While Blochman’s larkspur may require a bit more effort to source responsibly due to its rarity, it’s absolutely worth the investment. You’ll be growing a piece of California’s natural heritage while providing valuable habitat for native pollinators. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about successfully growing a plant that’s perfectly at home in your local climate.
Remember, by choosing native plants like Blochman’s larkspur, you’re not just creating a beautiful garden – you’re participating in conservation efforts and helping preserve California’s unique botanical legacy for future generations.
