Delphinium 'Clivedon Blue' (Larkspur) — perennial

Overview

Delphinium 'Clivedon Blue' is a perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Delphinium 'Clivedon Blue' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cuts.

About

Delphinium 'Clivedon Blue' is a named cultivar of Delphinium in the Ranunculaceae. It is grown for its summer flowering, reliably producing blooms from June to August. The Delphinium genus includes both annual and perennial species, and gardeners should treat individual cultivars according to their plant type and lifespan. Note that species in this genus are known to be toxic to people and livestock.

About the genus

Delphinium is a genus of about 300 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also on the high mountains of tropical Africa. The genus was erected by Carl Linnaeus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Delphinium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Delphinium

In the garden

Delphinium 'Clivedon Blue' sits within the genus Delphinium, a group of roughly 300 species in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae that includes both annual and perennial forms. The genus has long been cultivated for its summer flowers; this cultivar follows that pattern, coming into bloom from June to August. Historical botanical work placed Delphinium clearly within the temperate flora of the Northern Hemisphere, and the name itself has classical origins. Plants in the Delphinium group are grown for their floral display rather than for foliage, and that influences maintenance through the season. Because members of this genus contain toxic compounds, handle cuttings and spent flowers with care and keep stock and children away from discarded material. Use Delphinium 'Clivedon Blue' where a concentrated summer flowering period is wanted; its defined flowering window means it pairs well with later- or earlier-flowering perennials to extend seasonal colour. Where growers acquire this cultivar, follow the supplier's notes on whether it behaves as an annual, biennial or perennial in your garden so you can plan planting and replacement accordingly.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Delphinium

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained, loamy
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moist
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Delphinium 'Clivedon Blue' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cuts
Toxicity: toxic

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Delphinium 'Clivedon Blue'

Cultivation: Plant in spring or autumn in fertile, well-drained soil. Stake tall varieties to support flower spikes. Avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage new growth.
Propagation: division,seed