Larkspur Giant Hyacinth Mixed

Consolida ajacis 'Giant Hyacinth Mix' Architectural Column Larkspur 'Giant Hyacinth Mix'

The architectural column Larkspur — massive single dense spires packed with flowers like giant Hyacinths, in violet, lilac, pink, rose and white — producing rigid 90cm columns that provide unmatched vertical structure and the best Larkspur for drying whole, as the dense flowering spikes retain their shape and colour perfectly through the preservation process.

While other Larkspur varieties produce branching multi-stemmed plants with multiple cutting stems, 'Giant Hyacinth Mix' takes a different approach — producing a single massive dense flowering spire per plant, packed with flowers along the entire length like a giant garden Hyacinth. Standing 90cm tall, the rigid column provides genuinely unmatched architectural quality and contrasts beautifully with softer airy companions. The mix produces flowers in the full Larkspur cottage palette: violet, lilac, soft pink, rose and pure white. As a cool-season hardy annual, autumn-sown plants produce the tallest, earliest, most spectacular columns. Excellent fresh cut flower; the very best Larkspur for whole-spike drying — the dense compact flowering structure holds together when dried, unlike open branching forms which can lose petals. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised. Hardy annual (H3).

A note on growing

Larkspur seeds need darkness AND cool conditions to germinate — both essential. Direct sow outdoors in September for the tallest, earliest, most architectural columns the following summer, or March/April for summer sowing. Cover seeds completely with about 5mm of soil. Direct sow into the final position — Larkspur has a sensitive taproot.

Pre-chill seeds in the freezer for 7 days before sowing to break any deep dormancy. This is particularly useful for batches that have been stored in warm conditions.

Plant in full sun in fertile well-drained soil. The rigid single columns are mostly self-supporting but appreciate light staking in exposed gardens — install supports early before the column reaches full height.

For drying: cut stems when the lowest flowers on the spike are fully open and the upper buds are still developing. Hang upside-down in small bunches in a warm dry dark place. The dense compact structure holds its form perfectly through drying.

⚠️ Toxicity warning: all parts toxic if ingested. Wash hands after handling. Keep away from children and pets.

Where it shines

At the back of cottage borders as architectural vertical anchor plants. In cutting gardens specifically for dried-flower harvest — 'Giant Hyacinth Mix' is the variety that dries best. As fresh cut flowers for tall vertical arrangements. In wildlife gardens where the dense flowering provides bumblebee forage. As a "structural counterpoint" to soft airy companions — the rigid columns provide visual rest against more relaxed shapes.

Plant alongside

For dried flower harvesting, combine 'Giant Hyacinth Mix' with Statice, Bunny Tails, Bupleurum 'Griffithii' and Gomphrena 'Strawberry Fields' for a complete drying garden. For garden display, the rigid columns contrast beautifully with the airy quaking-grass plumes of Briza Maxima and the soft umbels of Ammi majus.