Delphinium (Delphinium)


Delphinium Plant Features

The tall, stately blooms of delphinium have played a starring role in perennial borders for generations. With towering flower stalks of blue, white, lavender, or pink blooms, delphiniums are a delight in the back of a garden border. Tall delphinium varieties can stretch 6 feet tall, but there are also more compact varieties that grow just 2 feet high. Delphiniums are also beloved by bees and butterflies, which feast on the nectar-rich flowers. Delphiniums also make wonderful cut flowers. Hardy from zones 3-8.

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Delphinium Growing Instructions

Delphinium grows best in a sunny location with rich, slightly moist soil. Some varieties grow best in cooler, milder regions of the country, but there are delphiniums that thrive in any sunny situation as long as they aren't subjected to super hot temperatures in midsummer. If you're in an area with especially hot, humid summers, delphiniums do best in a situation with morning sun and afternoon shade --- as well as a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil. 

Taller delphinium varieties also require staking to keep them from toppling in windy weather. Feed with a slow-release granular fertilizer in the early spring and never let the plants dry out completely. Amending the soil liberally with compost at planting time can be particularly helpful to delphiniums, especially if you have poor soil. In areas with heavy clay, topdressing the soil with a layer of compost every year can also be extremely beneficial. 
  • Water

    Moist

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Blue

    Pink

    Purple

    White

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Attracts hummingbirds


Complement your Delphinium

Hollyhock
The tall, elegant flower stalks of Hollyhock are the perfect complement for Delphinium.

Daylily
Plant Daylily at the base of Delphinium to add a double dose of color to garden beds and borders.

Coneflower
The sun-loving Coneflower makes a great companion for Delphinium.


Our favorite varieties

Dasante Blue

Dasante Blue

Delphinium elatum 'Dasante Blue'

Showing off spikes of rich blue flowers, Dasante Blue is a standout in the garden! It grows 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide and blooms throughout the summer. Zones 3-7

Aurora Light Purple

Aurora Light Purple

Delphinium elatum 'Aurora Light Purple'

Perfect for containers and gardens, Aurora Light Purple shows off wands of lavender-purple flowers in early summer. It grows 48 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Zones 4-7