Little Larkspur: A Charming Native Wildflower for Cool Climate Gardens
If you’re looking to add a touch of prairie magic to your garden, little larkspur (Delphinium bicolor bicolor) might just be the perfect spring wildflower you’ve been searching for. This delicate native perennial brings early season color and attracts pollinators to gardens across the northern United States and southern Canada.
What is Little Larkspur?
Little larkspur is a perennial forb—basically a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. Unlike its towering garden delphinium cousins, this native beauty stays relatively compact and specializes in stealing the show during spring’s early acts. The botanical name Delphinium bicolor bicolor tells us it’s part of the buttercup family, and you might occasionally see it listed under its synonym Delphinium nuttallianum var. pilosa in older plant references.
Where Does Little Larkspur Call Home?
This hardy wildflower is native to both Canada and the lower 48 states, with its natural range spanning across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. It’s perfectly adapted to the challenging growing conditions of the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions.
Why Grow Little Larkspur?
There are several compelling reasons to consider adding little larkspur to your garden:
- Native plant benefits: Supporting local ecosystems while reducing maintenance needs
- Early spring color: Blooms when many other plants are still waking up
- Pollinator magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant
- Naturalization potential: Perfect for prairie restorations and wildflower meadows
Garden Design and Landscape Uses
Little larkspur shines brightest in native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalized areas. Its delicate blue to purple spurred flowers add vertical interest to spring displays, and it pairs beautifully with other early-blooming natives. Consider it for:
- Rock gardens where its compact size won’t be overwhelmed
- Prairie-style plantings alongside native grasses
- Wildflower meadows where it can naturalize freely
- Cool climate perennial borders for early season interest
Growing Conditions and Care
Little larkspur thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-7, making it perfect for gardeners dealing with cold winters and relatively cool summers. Here’s what this prairie native prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soils; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates spring moisture
- Climate: Cool climates with cold winter dormancy periods
Planting and Propagation Tips
Growing little larkspur from seed is your best bet, but it requires a bit of patience and planning:
- Timing: Direct seed in fall for best results
- Cold treatment: Seeds need cold stratification over winter to germinate properly
- Soil prep: Ensure excellent drainage—this plant won’t tolerate soggy soils
- Spacing: Allow room for natural spread and self-seeding
- Patience: Young plants may take a year or two to reach blooming size
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
One of little larkspur’s greatest gifts to your garden ecosystem is its ability to support pollinators during the critical early spring period. The flowers provide nectar for various bee species, butterflies, and hummingbirds when few other blooms are available. This makes it an invaluable component of pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Is Little Larkspur Right for Your Garden?
Little larkspur is an excellent choice if you:
- Garden in zones 3-7 with cold winters
- Want to support native ecosystems
- Enjoy early spring blooms
- Prefer low-maintenance plants once established
- Have well-drained soil conditions
However, you might want to consider alternatives if you live in warmer zones, have consistently wet soil, or prefer plants that bloom throughout the growing season rather than putting on their main show in spring.
Little larkspur may be small in stature, but it delivers big on charm and ecological value. For gardeners in its native range looking to create sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscapes, this delightful wildflower deserves serious consideration.
