In the dry west one of the more common Delphiniums found in dry mountain foot hills is Delphinium andersonii. It starts to show green rosettes of foliage as early as March in the western Sierra foot hills at about the 5000' to 7000' elevations. By early May the 24"-30" wands are making their presence known. Their calling cards are, airy vertical wands studded in brilliant blue blossoms.
This Delphinium is summer dormant, so works well as a companion plant for late bloomers. I use it planted with Opuntias, Cylindropuntias and Spuria Iris. I find it easy to grow and have it seeding around sparingly. It can take very dry conditions in it's dormant state. With adequate spring moisture it puts on a month long display.
