Overview
Delphinium 'Carl Topping' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with divided green leaves foliage. Delphinium 'Carl Topping' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include beds, borders and cut flowers.
About
Delphinium 'Carl Topping' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Delphinium, which includes plants with palmately lobed leaves and prominent bowl-shaped flowers arranged in spikes. This cultivar features divided green leaves and thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for beds, borders, and cut flowers. Cultivation involves staking tall plants, mulching in spring, and propagation by basal cuttings in early spring, with interest during spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Delphinium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Delphinium 'Carl Topping' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Divided green leaves
- Suggested uses
- Beds, borders, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Delphinium 'Carl Topping'
- Propagation
- Basal cuttings in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, earwigs, delphinium leaf miner, delphinium moth caterpillars, slugs, snails, caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, delphinium black blotch, crown rot, viruses
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Delphinium 'Carl Topping'?
Delphinium 'Carl Topping' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Delphinium 'Carl Topping' need?
Delphinium 'Carl Topping' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Delphinium 'Carl Topping' hardy in the UK?
Delphinium 'Carl Topping' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Delphinium 'Carl Topping'?
Basal cuttings in early spring.
More in the Delphinium genus
- Delphinium 'Blue Bell'
- Delphinium 'Ailsa'
- Delphinium 'Alison Claire'
- Delphinium 'Ambrose Woods'
- Delphinium 'Angela Rowe'
- Delphinium 'Ann Woodfield'
- Delphinium 'Anne Page'
- Delphinium 'Ariel Blue'