Overview
Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include beds and borders and cut flowers. It is native to Temperate Asia and Europe.
About
Delphinium elatum is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, known by the common names alpine delphinium, bee larkspur, or candle larkspur. It is native to temperate Asia and Europe, it is an erect herbaceous perennial growing to 1.8 m (5.9 ft), with deeply divided leaves.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Delphinium elatum
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Delphinium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Beds and borders, cut flowers
- Native to
- Temperate Asia, Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies'
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies'?
Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' need?
Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' grow?
Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' hardy in the UK?
Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Delphinium elatum 'Summer Skies'?
Division, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Delphinium genus
- Delphinium 'Nora Ferguson'Larkspur

- Delphinium Hybrids, BelladonnaLarkspur

- Delphinium cardinalecardinal larkspur

- Delphinium cheilanthumgarland larkspur

- Delphinium elatumalpine delphinium

- Delphinium grandiflorumlarge-flowered delphinium

- Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy'Larkspur

- Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly'delphinium 'Blue Butterfly'
