Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina' (delphinium 'Foxhill Nina') — Columnar upright

Overview

Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cut flowers.

About

Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina' is a herbaceous perennial delphinium with a columnar upright habit, reaching 1-1.5 metres. It has deciduous foliage and produces its flower display from June to August. Plant in full sun on chalk, loam or sand that is moist but well-drained, in a sheltered, south-, west- or east-facing spot. Suited to borders and for cutting.

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 'Foxhill Nina' is a herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae, carried on a columnar upright habit to 1-1.5 metres with a narrow spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. Foliage is deciduous and flowering runs from June to August, making it a summer contributor to mixed borders and a source of cut stems. Place it in full sun on chalk, loam or sandy soils; it tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH but prefers soil that is moist yet drains freely. A sheltered position is important, and it suits south-, west- or east-facing aspects. Expect 2–5 years to reach its established height as individual plants mature. Classified H5, it is hardy in typical UK gardens provided it is not exposed to severe wind. Use it where upright height is needed without much lateral spread — alongside lower perennials or at the back of a border. Allow time for the clump to fill before relocating it: its columnar habit and measured spread make site selection important from the outset.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Delphinium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Columnar upright
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina'

Propagation: Seeds, division
Pest resistance: Susceptible to slugs
Disease resistance: Susceptible to powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina'?

Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina' need?

Delphinium 'Foxhill Nina' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.