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
- Delphinium 'Blue Bell'

- Delphinium 'Ailsa'
- Delphinium 'Alison Claire'
- Delphinium 'Ambrose Woods'
- Delphinium 'Angela Rowe'
- Delphinium 'Ann Woodfield'
- Delphinium 'Anne Page'
- Delphinium 'Ariel Blue'