About
A deciduous, short-lived small perennial up to 30cm when in flower. An open mound of palmately lobed leaves with stems of neat, red, larkspur-like flowers in spring and 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 pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife 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 fertile, well-drained, gritty soil in full sun. Add grit to encourage self-seeding. See staking perennials and delphinium cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back to ground level in autumn
PropagationPropagate from seed or allow to self-seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, leaf miners and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews, grey moulds