Larkspur, while not classified as an invasive species, does have a tendency to spread quite readily. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have seen firsthand how larkspur can quickly take over a landscape if left unattended.
One of the reasons larkspur spreads so easily is due to its reseeding abilities. Once the flowers have bloomed and produced seeds, those seeds can scatter and take root in nearby areas. This can lead to an abundance of larkspur shoots popping up throughout your garden or landscape the following year.
If you’re not careful, this can become quite a nuisance. I remember a situation where a client had planted a few larkspur plants in their garden, thinking they would add a beautiful touch of color. However, they didn’t realize just how quickly larkspur can spread. Within a year, their garden was overrun with larkspur shoots, and they were spending hours pulling them out to regain control of their landscaping.
To prevent larkspur from spreading too much, there are a few steps you can take. First, deadhead the flowers as soon as they start to fade. This will prevent the plant from producing seeds and reduce the chances of new shoots sprouting up elsewhere.
Additionally, consider thinning out the larkspur plants in your garden. By removing some of the plants, you can reduce the number of seeds being produced and decrease the chances of spreading. This can be done by simply pulling out the unwanted shoots or by transplanting some of the plants to a different area.
Another method to control the spread of larkspur is by mulching. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants can help suppress the growth of new shoots and make it more difficult for seeds to take root. Plus, mulch provides other benefits such as moisture retention and weed suppression.
If you’re dealing with a particularly aggressive spread of larkspur, you may need to consider more drastic measures. This could include using herbicides specifically designed to target larkspur or physically removing the plants and their roots from your landscape. However, I always recommend trying more natural and less harmful methods before resorting to chemicals.
While larkspur is not classified as an invasive species, it can spread quite readily if left unattended. Its reseeding abilities and fast growth can lead to an abundance of unwanted shoots in your garden or landscape. By deadheading the flowers, thinning out the plants, mulching, and using other preventive measures, you can help control the spread of larkspur and maintain a well-managed landscape.
