I don't think I've even seen one since moving to AL from OH. IDK whether I should put it in tons of sun or some shade during the hottest part of the day. My more sunny spots are pretty dry. What are your thoughts? TIA!

I grew larkspur one year from seed and it got so tall I had to stake it really well.The wind was constantly trying to blow it over. I had mine in part shade, right at the edge of the overhang of an oak canopy.I don't recall it ever returning the next year. So it was protected from the really hot afternoon sun, but it got all the morning sun.

I've usually seen the term larkspur for the annual, Consolida ajacis. This is a perennial plant with totally different leaves. I've given up buying larkspur seeds too, they hardly ever sprout.

Larkspur grows really well here with hot afternoon and returns for about 3 years and then croaks.

I've only ever tried 1 Delphinium and it didn't make it.

I sure hope yours does because that color is stunning!

Lowes here sells delphinium, but I never buy. I have always thought they loved cooler weather. I have tried larkspur without any luck.

I have grown delphiniums here and they bloomed last year but they did not survive last winter. I have larkspur growing from a packet of free seeds for pollinators from Burpee. They usually reseed for me.

Tiffany, I would grow your plant in part sun, as it's the heat and humidity that usually does these plants in, here in the south. The annual larkspur is supposed to be able to take full sun, but I've found that when it heats up, they fizzle out.

TYVM for the responses! Good job(s) of trying to break bad news to me gently. :+) If I'd been honest with myself at the store, I would have admitted a flower that pretty can only be on a super-temperamental/unpredictable plant.

Deborah, that's what I'm thinking too, from the responses & looking up that the species tops out at Z8. It's not the first time I've bought a plant that would be unlikely to be able to be really be happy in the conditions I have to offer, and prob. not the last. ...now to find my coolest spot during winter that's the least windy during summer, that's not in too much sun during the heat of the day, or too much shade... ummm...

We'll always have the pics...!

I agree, I'd put it in morning sun with afternoon shade in really good soil (and say a little pray for it.)

If you bought it at Lowe's, Home Depot, or another store that has a one-year perennial plant guarantee, then be sure to save your receipt, tags, and maybe the pot, too. If stores insist on selling plants unsuitable to the local climate, then they should be made to honor that guarantee.

The color is divine!

I do keep my receipts and the original pots and return them for a refund, if the plant does not thrive within the warrantee period.

TY, Danita & Deborah! Returning plants is not the way I roll, (and I love her too much to part with, even if it's a short romance for only this summer,) but very much appreciate taking the time to share the suggestion!

Oh, I didn't mean to return her while she is alive, but if she dies. The 1-year guarantee available at many big-box stores is for if the plant dies within a year.

That's correct, Danita. Then you have a choice of getting another (a replacement) to try in a different location, culture, etc., or choosing something entirely different with your refund. You can't lose if you take advantage of their plant guarantee.

Tiffany, keep us updated on how it does. If it does good for you, I may try one next year!! Such beautiful plants!! Love the color.

I do think I can lose by taking advantage of the plant guarantee if it causes all of the plants to be more expensive and I'm against the whole idea of guaranteeing a plant will live, a silly impossibility. I take full responsibility for my purchase.

I had one of the native delphinium (Delphinium carolinianum) that I wild collected...
The voles got it last winter.
I had more problems keeping that plant going...

The rabbits made a habit of chewing off the bloom spikes, so I put a little fence (cage) around it.... that kept it going for a couple years... Unfortunately the fence didn't extend underground.

I had a seedling in a pot... but it's awful hot and dry here in the sandhills... I think I lost that seedling when I wasn't looking.