Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy' (Larkspur) — herbaceous perennial

Overview

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Russia and China.

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

A herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae, Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy' is native to Russia and China and produces its main display in the UK between June and August. Gardeners grow it for summer blooms and for cutting; the name 'Azure Fairy' indicates its cultivar identity. Plant in a position that receives full sun or some afternoon shade. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged, and will perform best where the soil pH is neutral to slightly alkaline. The H5 rating means it is considered hardy in most parts of the UK, tolerating typical winter conditions without the need for greenhouse protection. Use this larkspur in mixed borders and cottage-style beds where its summer flowers can be cut for arrangements. Because the plant is poisonous, avoid planting where children or grazing animals may ingest foliage, and wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin. Stems from June to August provide useful material for fresh-cut displays.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Delphinium

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained, fertile
Soil pH: neutral, slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: moist, well-drained
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Russia, China
Toxicity: Like many other larkspurs, this plant is poisonous.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy'

Cultivation: Prefers cool summers and well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; stake tall varieties
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering
Propagation: seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy'?

Prefers cool summers and well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; stake tall varieties.

Where is the best place to plant Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy'?

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy' prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy' need?

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Azure Fairy' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.