Delphinium elatum
Delphinium, the elegant staple of cottage gardens
A staple of the cottage garden, Delphiniums lend a stately elegance to any garden. Tall spikes loaded with beautifully colored blooms rise from delicate mounds of foliage. The blooms of vivid blues available are prized by both gardeners and flower arrangers. They thrive in cool moist summers, but some of the new varieties are much more tolerant of heat. Delphiniums prefer full sun, deep rich soil that is moist but well drained, frequent feedings to support growth and heavy blooming, and a site protected from wind or staking. The flower stalks are hollow and may need staking to prevent them from bending over or breaking in wind and hard rains. Delphinium can be a little bit of a finicky perennial, each variety performing differently from one soil or site to the next. It is well worth the effort to find the right Delphinium that will thrive and stand strong in your garden. Delphinium is a short lived perennial and propagation is not always successful. Division will produce new plants with an even shorter lifespan. Collecting and planting seeds or taking basal cuttings will take a little research and perhaps experience gained by trial and error After 3-5 years, the plant will grow weak and could die quickly. There are several fungal diseases and pests that may afflict Delphinium, but when grown in a sunny spot with good air circulation and well drained soil, the plant should stay generally healthy. Many of the Delphiniums are poisonous, all parts of the plant could be fatal if eaten.
Delphinium x ‘Black Knight’
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 18-24”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering, do not allow the soil to dry out.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with tall flower racemes
Bloom Time: June through July
Bloom Color: Dark blue violet with dark bee (center)
Bloom Form: Racemes tightly packed with 3” double blooms
Foliage: Deeply lobed and toothed palmate leaves
Fragrance: None
Pest and Disease Resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom.
Other: Deer resistant, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
‘Black Knight’ is a Pacific Giant Hybrid, which are amazing Delphiniums that put on a exceptional display of 3” double blooms on 4 foot stalks.. These tall stalks heavy with blooms will require staking. If you oppose staking because of the appearance or attention required, try Delphinium elatum L. (the species plant, a parent of Pacific Giant Hybrids as well as many other cultivars) instead, they are not as tall and the flower stems a bit sturdier. The Pacific Giants are also mildew resistant. Allow plenty of space between plants to allow good air circulation, this will help prevent mildew and fungal diseases. The foliage mound grows tight to the ground, sometimes encouraging slugs. Pacific Giants may struggle in the hottest regions, and live an even shorter life due to the heat, perhaps as short as a single season. In colder regions, mulch heavily for winter protection. Pacific Giant are poisonous, making them deer resistant. But, deer in my area don’t seem to be bothered by the poison and occasionally devour every bloom.
‘Black Knight’s’ bee (contrasting center) is nearly black with the deepest midnight violet petals you will find in Delphinium. Remove the flower stalks when the blooms have faded to encourage a light blooming in late summer. If the foliage is afflicted by mildew in summer, cut the foliage back by a few to several inches to encourage fresh growth. Plant at the back of the border or along a fence or structure to help protect ‘Black Knight from wind and storms. Or grow in a container that is situated in a protected area. ‘Black Knight’ makes a bold statement wherever you plant it, and is excellent for cut flowers, lasting two weeks in the vase. Seed available for ‘Black Knight’ is not highly reliable for producing true color.
Delphinium elatum x ‘Bluebird’
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 18-36”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering, do not allow the soil to dry out.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with tall flower racemes
Bloom Time: June through July
Bloom Color: Clear blue with white bee (center)
Bloom Form: Racemes tightly packed with 3” double blooms
Foliage: Deeply lobed and toothed palmate leaves
Fragrance: None
Pest and Disease Resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom.
Other: Deer resistant, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardiness: Zones 3-7
‘Blue Bird’’ is a Pacific Giant Hybrid, which are amazing Delphiniums that put on a exceptional display of 3” double blooms on 4 foot stalks.. These tall stalks heavy with blooms will require staking. If you oppose staking because of the appearance or attention required, try Delphinium elatum L. (the species plant, a parent of Pacific Giant Hybrids as well as many other cultivars) instead, they are not as tall and the flower stems a bit sturdier. The Pacific Giants are also mildew resistant. Allow plenty of space between plants to allow good air circulation, this will help prevent mildew and fungal diseases. The foliage mound grows tight to the ground, sometimes encouraging slugs. Pacific Giants may struggle in the hottest regions, and live an even shorter life due to the heat, perhaps as short as a single season. In colder regions, mulch heavily for winter protection. Pacific Giant are poisonous, making them deer resistant. But, deer in my area don’t seem to be bothered by the poison and occasionally devour every bloom.
‘Blue Bird’s’ bee (contrasting center) is white with vibrant medium clear blue petals. Although ‘Blue Bird’ was bred to come true from seed, some variation of flower color does occur. It is fairly easy to grow this one from seed. ‘Blue Bird’ grown from seed will often bloom in the first year. Remove the flower stalks when the blooms have faded to encourage a light blooming in late summer. If the foliage is afflicted by mildew in summer, cut the foliage back by a few to several inches to encourage fresh growth. Plant at the back of the border or along a fence or structure to help protect ‘Blue Bird’ from wind and storms. Or grow in a container that is situated in a protected area. ‘Blue Bird’’ makes a bold statement wherever you plant it, and is excellent for cut flowers, lasting two weeks in the vase.
Delphinium elatum x ‘Galahad’
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 18-24”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering, do not allow the soil to dry out.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with tall flower racemes
Bloom Time: June through July
Bloom Color: Pure white with white bee (center)
Bloom Form: Racemes tightly packed with 3” double blooms
Foliage: Deeply lobed and toothed palmate leaves
Fragrance: None
Pest and Disease Resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom.
Other: Deer resistant, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
‘Galahad’ is a Pacific Giant Hybrid, which are amazing Delphiniums that put on a exceptional display of 3” double blooms on 4 foot stalks.. These tall stalks heavy with blooms will require staking. If you oppose staking because of the appearance or attention required, try Delphinium elatum L. (the species plant, a parent of Pacific Giant Hybrids as well as many other cultivars) instead, they are not as tall and the flower stems a bit sturdier. The Pacific Giants are also mildew resistant. Allow plenty of space between plants to allow good air circulation, this will help prevent mildew and fungal diseases. The foliage mound grows tight to the ground, sometimes encouraging slugs. Pacific Giants may struggle in the hottest regions, and live an even shorter life due to the heat, perhaps as short as a single season. In colder regions, mulch heavily for winter protection. Pacific Giant are poisonous, making them deer resistant. But, deer in my area don’t seem to be bothered by the poison and occasionally devour every bloom.
‘Galahad’s’ bee (contrasting center) is white with satiny white petals. Remove the flower stalks when the blooms have faded to encourage a light blooming in late summer. If the foliage is afflicted by mildew in summer, cut the foliage back by a few to several inches to encourage fresh growth. Plant at the back of the border or along a fence or structure to help protect ‘Galahad’ from wind and storms. Or grow in a container that is situated in a protected area. ‘Galahad’ makes a dramatic statement wherever you plant it, and is stunning when planted with contrasting iris and daylilies. ‘Galahad’ is excellent for cut flowers, lasting two weeks in the vase if cut when blooms first begin to open.
Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Lace’ New Millennium Hybrid
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 24”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with tall flower racemes
Bloom Time: June - July
Bloom Color: Sky blue with hints of lavender pink, bee (centers) may be light or dark.
Bloom Form: Racemes tightly packed with 5” blooms on strong stems.
Foliage: Deeply lobed and toothed palmate leaves
Fragrance: None.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Good resistance to most disease and pests. May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom. Divide every two to four years to preserve the health of the plant.
Other: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, deer resistant.
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Delphinium elatum are the tall English Delphinium Hybrids and are considered by many to be superior to the Pacific Hybrids. The New Millennium series of Delphinium elatum are the best of the elatum hybrids. They are overall the hardiest Delphiniums with the strongest stems, which are tightly packed with blooms, each heavily petaled. Staking may not be necessary unless you plant in a windy site. Seeds available for the New Millennium Delphiniums are consistent in excellent form and color. The plants grow healthier and more vigorous, helping them to fend off pests and disease better than other hybrids. They are more tolerant of regions with hot summers and humidity. New Millenniums will also live longer than others.
‘Blue Lace’ has rich sky blue petals with hints of lavender toward the centers. The huge 5” blooms are tightly packed on the flower stem, each bloom packed with up to 30 petals. Bee may be light or dark. ‘Blue Lace’ is a pretty reliable rebloomer if you cut back the flower stalks after the first blooming. Expect a light blooming in late summer to early fall. When grown from seed, ‘Blue Lace’ should flower in the first year. Beautiful cut flowers last up to two weeks in a vase if cut when the blooms have just begun to open. Also excellent for dried flowers. Plant ‘Blue Lace’ confidently anywhere in the garden, it is lovely when paired with pinks and lavenders.
Delphinium elatum ‘Royal Aspirations’ New Millennium Hybrid
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 24”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with tall flower racemes
Bloom Time: June - July
Bloom Color: Royal blue, usually with white bees (centers)
Bloom Form: Racemes tightly packed with 5” blooms on strong stems.
Foliage: Deeply lobed and toothed palmate leaves
Fragrance: None.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Good resistance to most disease and pests. May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom. Divide every two to four years to preserve the health of the plant.
Other: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, deer resistant.
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Delphinium elatum are the tall English Delphinium Hybrids and are considered by many to be superior to the Pacific Hybrids. The New Millennium series of Delphinium elatum are the best of the elatum hybrids. They are overall the hardiest Delphiniums with the strongest stems, which are tightly packed with blooms, each heavily petaled. Staking may not be necessary unless you plant in a windy site. Seeds available for the New Millennium Delphiniums are consistent in excellent form and color. The plants grow healthier and more vigorous, helping them to fend off pests and disease better than other hybrids. They are more tolerant of regions with hot summers and humidity. New Millenniums will also live longer than others.
‘Royal Aspirations’ creates an eye catching statement with its bright royal blooms and white bees. The stunning 6 foot spires are a florist’s dream. The huge 5” blooms are tightly packed on the flower stem, each bloom packed with up to 30 petals. ‘Royal Aspirations’ is a pretty reliable rebloomer if you cut back the flower stalks after the first blooming. Expect a light blooming in late summer to early fall. When grown from seed, ‘Royal Aspirations’ should flower in the first year. Beautiful cut flowers last up to two weeks in a vase if cut when the blooms have just begun to open. Also excellent for dried flowers. Plant ‘Royal Aspirations’ confidently anywhere in the garden, it is stunning when planted with white.
Delphinium elatum ‘Green Twist’ New Millennium Hybrid
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 4-5 feet
Spread: 24”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun to light shade
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with tall flower racemes
Bloom Time: June - July
Bloom Color: White flushed with lime green and green/cream bees (centers)
Bloom Form: Racemes tightly packed with 5” blooms on strong stems.
Foliage: Deeply lobed and toothed palmate leaves
Fragrance: None.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Good resistance to most disease and pests. May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom. Divide every two to four years to preserve the health of the plant.
Other: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, deer resistant.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Delphinium elatum are the tall English Delphinium Hybrids and are considered by many to be superior to the Pacific Hybrids. The New Millennium series of Delphinium elatum are the best of the elatum hybrids. They are overall the hardiest Delphiniums with the strongest stems, which are tightly packed with blooms, each heavily petaled. Staking may not be necessary unless you plant in a windy site. Seeds available for the New Millennium Delphiniums are consistent in excellent form and color. The plants grow healthier and more vigorous, helping them to fend off pests and disease better than other hybrids. They are more tolerant of regions with hot summers and humidity. New Millenniums will also live longer than others.
‘Green Twist’ blooms are white with an unexpected twist, The petals and bees are flushed with a light lime green. The color appears when the blooms are young, and will be most pronounced when grown in light shade. The green flush is most noticed in the morning. As the blooms mature, petals turn pure white. The huge 5” blooms are tightly packed on the flower stem, each bloom heavily petaled. ‘Green Twist’ is a pretty reliable rebloomer if you cut back the flower stalks after the first blooming. Expect a light blooming in late summer to early fall. ‘Green Twist’ is a tad shorter than most New Millennium varieties with strong stems. When grown from seed, ‘Green Twist’ should flower in the first year. Beautiful cut flowers last up to two weeks in a vase if cut when the blooms have just begun to open. Also excellent for dried flowers. What a wonderful unique addition to a white garden ‘Green Twist’ would make.
Delphinium elatum ‘Blushing Brides’ New Millennium Hybrid
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 24”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with tall flower racemes
Bloom Time: June - July
Bloom Color: Rose pink with white or brown bees (centers).
Bloom Form: Racemes tightly packed with 5” blooms on strong stems.
Foliage: Deeply lobed and toothed palmate leaves
Fragrance: None.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Good resistance to most disease and pests. May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom. Divide every two to four years to preserve the health of the plant.
Other: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, deer resistant.
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Delphinium elatum are the tall English Delphinium Hybrids and are considered by many to be superior to the Pacific Hybrids. The New Millennium series of Delphinium elatum are the best of the elatum hybrids. They are overall the hardiest Delphiniums with the strongest stems, which are tightly packed with blooms, each heavily petaled. Staking may not be necessary unless you plant in a windy site. Seeds available for the New Millennium Delphiniums are consistent in excellent form and color. The plants grow healthier and more vigorous, helping them to fend off pests and disease better than other hybrids. They are more tolerant of regions with hot summers and humidity. New Millenniums will also live longer than others.
‘Blushing Brides’ has rich mulberry pink petals with white or white and brown bees. The blooms open to a more dusky rose pink creating a nice effect on partially opened racemes. The huge 5” blooms are tightly packed on the flower stem, each bloom packed with up to 30 petals. ‘Blushing Brides’’ is a pretty reliable rebloomer if you cut back the flower stalks after the first blooming. Expect a light blooming in late summer to early fall. When grown from seed, ‘Blushing Brides’ should flower in the first year. Beautiful cut flowers last up to two weeks in a vase if cut when the blooms have just begun to open. Also excellent for dried flowers. ‘Blushing Brides’ makes a stunning effect when planted with magenta flowers.
Delphinium elatum x ‘Olive Poppleton’
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 4-5 feet
Spread: 18-24”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering, do not allow the soil to dry out.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with tall flower racemes
Bloom Time: June-July
Bloom Color: Creamy white with golden brown bees (centers)
Bloom Form: Racemes tightly packed with semi-double blooms
Foliage: Deeply lobed and toothed palmate leaves
Fragrance: None
Pest and Disease Resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom. Divide every two to four years to preserve the health of the plant.
Other: Deer resistant, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
‘Olive Poppleton’ is a highly regarded Delphinium of shorter stature than most. It is an elatum hybrid that displays the classic tall spires of beautiful blooms. The petals posses a depth of color from white to creamy ivory. The blooms are perfectly cupped and packed tightly on the tall racemes. ‘Olive Poppleton’ is a parent of many English cultivars, but may be difficult to find.
Delphinium elatum x ‘Magic Fountains’
Common Name: Larkspur
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 feet
Spread: 14-18”
Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Requires regular watering, do not allow the soil to dry out.
Soil Requirements: Organically rich well drained soil with a neutral pH or slightly alkaline.
Growth Habit: Mounded foliage with an open habit.
Bloom Time: June - July
Bloom Color: Deep blue
Bloom Form: Asymmetrical with five petals.
Foliage: Small finely toothed leaves
Fragrance: None
Pest and Disease Resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, crown rot, aphids, leaf miners and mites.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks up until they bloom, and again after the spent blooms are cut back until they bloom again. Or apply well composted manure or a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant in early spring and again after cut back. Do not over fertilize with high nitrogen, blooming period will be reduced.
Maintenance: Remove flower stalks after blooms are faded to encourage rebloom. Divide every two to four years to preserve the health of the plant.
Other: Deer resistant, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
‘Magic Fountains’ are classic Delphiniums are semi-dwarf, so are of slightly shorter stature reaching only about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet tall. The blooms are perhaps the best for cutting with a lively color selection, just like ‘Pacific Giant’ but shorter. The stalks are thick and sturdy and loaded with double blooms. Unless you plant in an exposed windy site, you should not need to stake ‘Magic Fountains’.
Foliage is a dark green with deeply toothed palmate leaves. The foliage forms a low mound and is lovely when out of bloom. ‘Magic Fountains’ are fairly heat tolerant and may do quite well in zone 8 if provided with some afternoon shade. When grown from seed ‘Magic Fountains’ will bloom the first year. In that first season they may not seem as sturdy and upright but will improve substantially the second year. Typical of Delphiniums, ‘Magic Fountains’ does not live long. By the fourth year blooming will diminish and the plant will languish. Division will produce new plants, but their life will likely be even shorter than that of the parent. Starting new plants from seed may be more productive.
There are many colors available in the Magic Fountains Series, all with the same characteristics. ‘Dark Blue’ has rich deep blue petals with black or white bees. ‘Sky Blue’ has soft sky blue petals with white bees. ‘White’ has pure white blooms with chocolate bees. ‘Pure White’ is white with white bees. ‘Cherry Blossom’ has rose petals with white bees. ‘Crystal Mix’ is a mixture of colors including pink, lavender, light and dark blue and white. You will find other random mixes available also.