About
A relatively compact cultivar with upright sturdy stems 75-90cm tall closely arranged with semi-double lavender blooms with white centres in summer.
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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
ToxicityHumans/Pets: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a fertile, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds and provide stakes or other supports. See staking perennials and delphinium cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead spent flower spikes. After flowering, cut down all growth to ground level. If fed and watered well, a second flush of flowers may be produced in autumn
PropagationPropagate by basal softwood cuttings or by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, earwigs, delphinium leaf miner, delphinium moth caterpillars, slugs, snails and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, delphinium black blotch, grey moulds, sclerotinia disease, crown rot and cucumber mosiac virus