About

A deciduous, herbaceous perennial that reaches approximately 1.8m in height when in flower. It forms a mound of green, deeply lobed leaves and stately flower stems of numerous rich rose to soft pink flowers with contrasting white centres, from summer to autumn.

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

Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Suggested usesBedding displays, containers, gap filling.
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 soil in full sun. Shelter from strong winds and provide support. Divide every 2-5 years to maintain vigour. See staking: perennials and delphinium cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead main stem after flowering to encourage side shoots to flower. Cut back to ground level in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, leaf miners and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, delphinium black blotch, crown rot and viruses