Larkspur Fancy Purple Picotee

Consolida ajacis 'Fancy Purple Picotee' Larkspur 'Fancy Purple Picotee'

The artisan flower farmer's favourite — tall spires of double white flowers, each petal delicately edged with a violet-purple picotee margin that creates an elegant bicolour effect impossibly captivating up close. Larkspur 'Fancy Purple Picotee' brings the towering vertical drama of delphiniums to the cutting garden in a single annual season, on tall sturdy 100–120cm stems.

This is one of the most refined annual cut flowers in cottage garden cultivation. Each fully-double bloom is essentially white at its centre, with the petal edges marked by a precise violet-purple picotee margin that creates a delicate bicolour effect — sophisticated, designer-quality, photographically beautiful both in the border and in arrangements. The tall 100–120cm spires bring proper architectural vertical structure to cutting beds and back-of-border plantings. As a hardy annual relative of the Delphinium (sharing many family characteristics but completing the full life cycle in a single year), Larkspur 'Fancy Purple Picotee' is genuinely easier and more reliable than the perennial Delphinium for most British gardeners. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised — Larkspur is a particular favourite of bumblebees and hoverflies, who access the complex spurred flowers for high-quality nectar. Hardy annual (H3), genetically a cool-season specialist.

A note on growing

Larkspur seeds need darkness AND cool conditions to germinate — both unusual requirements that catch many gardeners out. Direct sow outdoors in September (for the tallest, earliest flowers the following year) or March/April. Cover seeds completely with about 5mm of soil — light prevents germination. Cool conditions help — Larkspur is genuinely a cool-season specialist.

Germination boost: if germination is slow or inconsistent, place the sealed seed packet in the freezer for 7 days before sowing. This "cold shock" mimics natural winter frost and breaks any deep dormancy that may have set in if seeds were stored in warm conditions.

Direct sowing is essential — Larkspur has a sensitive taproot and resents transplanting. Plant in full sun in fertile well-drained soil. As tall plants, light support (twiggy birch sticks or canes) is sensible in exposed gardens.

⚠️ Toxicity warning: Larkspur belongs to the Delphinium family; all parts of the plant and the seeds are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Wash hands after handling seeds. Keep packets away from children. Do not plant where curious pets or grazing animals can access.

Where it shines

In the cutting garden as one of the most sophisticated and designer-quality vertical cut flowers — 'Fancy Purple Picotee' is a flower farmer's secret. At the back of cottage borders providing the essential vertical line. As cut flowers with exceptional vase life (7–10 days). As dried flowers — Larkspur dries excellently for autumn and winter arrangements, and is the traditional ingredient for biodegradable wedding confetti. In wildlife gardens for bumblebee support.

Plant alongside

For sophisticated cutting, pair 'Fancy Purple Picotee' with Ammi majus (airy white filler), Cornflower 'Snowman' (matching white substance) and Cosmos 'Purity'. For colour drama, combine with Cornflower 'Black Ball' (matching dark elegance) and Cornflower 'Blue Ball'. With Larkspur 'Limelight Mix' for tonal layering of vertical spires.