Overview

Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' is a clump-forming, upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with divided green leaves foliage. Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include beds, borders and cut flowers.

About

Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Delphinium genus, known for its clump-forming, upright habit and divided green leaves. Like other Delphiniums, it produces prominent, bowl-shaped flowers arranged in spikes, adding vertical interest to beds and borders. This cultivar thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH, in full sun and sheltered positions facing south, west, or east. It is hardy in the UK (H5) and is best grown with staking and spring mulching, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Delphinium

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

Plant details

Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump-forming, upright
Foliage
Divided green leaves
Suggested uses
Beds, borders, cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles'

Propagation
Basal cuttings in early spring
Pest resistance
Aphids, earwigs, delphinium leaf miner, delphinium moth caterpillars, slugs, snails, caterpillars
Disease resistance
Powdery mildews, delphinium black blotch, crown rot, viruses

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles'?

Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' need?

Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' hardy in the UK?

Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Delphinium 'Purple Ruffles'?

Basal cuttings in early spring.

More in the Delphinium genus

Browse all Delphinium