When does Delphinium cardinale bloom?

Delphinium cardinale generally blooms from April through July, sending up tall flower spikes above its basal foliage.

What growing conditions does Scarlet Larkspur need?

It does best in full sun to light part sun with well-drained soil and low water once established, reflecting the dry slopes and chaparral settings where it is often found.

What pollinators visit Scarlet Larkspur?

Hummingbirds and bees are the main visitors, attracted to the long tubular red flowers held on upright stalks.

Is Delphinium cardinale evergreen?

No, it is a deciduous perennial forb that dies back after its spring and summer bloom period and regrows from a root crown.

Is Scarlet Larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes. Scarlet Larkspur is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Scarlet Larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes. Scarlet Larkspur is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Scarlet Larkspur HOA-friendly?

Scarlet Larkspur is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Scarlet Larkspur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Delphinium cardinale

Last reviewed: September 2026

Scarlet Larkspur is a tall perennial forb with vivid red, tubular flowers that bloom from April through July on dry slopes and in chaparral, drawing hummingbirds and bees.

Scarlet Larkspur (Delphinium cardinale) — Photo: (c) Zack Abbey, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Scarlet Larkspur is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Scarlet Larkspur is a striking native perennial with tall spikes of vibrant red flowers that bloom from spring through summer. The plant features delicate, lacy foliage and rises on slender stems to heights of 2-5 feet, creating a dramatic vertical accent in dry gardens.

Growing Scarlet Larkspur

Grow Scarlet Larkspur in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Larkspur is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Tall flower stalks may look untidy after blooming
Goes dormant and dies back in winter
Can have a wild, less manicured appearance

Wildlife value

The tubular red flowers are excellent hummingbird attractants, while also supporting native bee populations as a valuable nectar source.

Common questions

When does Delphinium cardinale bloom?: Delphinium cardinale generally blooms from April through July, sending up tall flower spikes above its basal foliage.
What growing conditions does Scarlet Larkspur need?: It does best in full sun to light part sun with well-drained soil and low water once established, reflecting the dry slopes and chaparral settings where it is often found.
What pollinators visit Scarlet Larkspur?: Hummingbirds and bees are the main visitors, attracted to the long tubular red flowers held on upright stalks.
Is Delphinium cardinale evergreen?: No, it is a deciduous perennial forb that dies back after its spring and summer bloom period and regrows from a root crown.
Is Scarlet Larkspur toxic to dogs?: Yes. Scarlet Larkspur is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Scarlet Larkspur toxic to cats?: Yes. Scarlet Larkspur is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Scarlet Larkspur HOA-friendly?: Scarlet Larkspur is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Scarlet Larkspur and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

Find pet-safe natives

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz