About
This towering delphinium, with a clump of lobed, dark green leaves sending up commanding flower spikes. An imposing raceme of closely-set, spurred blooms in vivid tones soars above the foliage in blue tones in early summer. The cultivar 'Cheer Blue' is a border showstopper.
About the genus
Delphinium can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with palmately lobed basal leaves and showy bowl-shaped flowers in spikes, racemes or panicles
Plant details
Suggested usesBack of borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens. Superb cut flowers.
Care notes
CultivationFertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from wind. Stake tall varieties. Mulch in spring.
PruningCut spent spikes to a lateral after first flowering to encourage a second flush in late summer.
PropagationTake basal cuttings in spring. Sow seed in late winter (some need cold stratification).
Pest resistanceSlugs and snails are the main threat, especially to young growth in spring. Caterpillars may eat leaves.
Disease resistancePowdery mildew, black spot, and crown rot in wet soils. Good air circulation essential.