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

More in the Delphinium genus

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