Delphinium Plant Profile and How to Grow Them

Add Stately Vertical Accents with Flowering Perennial Delphinium

Oct 18, 2009

Delphinium flowers are some of the most readily recognized of the tall, vertically-growing perennials. See how to grow and maintain them in the garden.

One of the truest of the blue-flowering plants, delphiniums have been a favorite addition to formal, informal and cottage gardens for centuries. Growing them may require a bit more care than some perennials, but not nearly as much trouble as some gardeners seems to think.

Cultivation Information and How to Grow Delphinium

Botanical and Common Name – Delphiniums are usually called by their scientific name although they are sometimes called larkspur.

Plant Category – Delphiniums are herbaceous, perennial plants although they can be relatively short-lived. In some climates they are grown as annuals, especially where they do not tend to survive well after flowering south of Zone 8.

Bloom Time and Color – Delphinium plants bloom in late spring and the flowers grow at the top of tall flowering spikes as though the plants were raising their beauty to the heavens. Cultivars are available with flowering shades of blue, purple, pink and white as well as single or double forms.

Foliage – The green foliage doesn't extend all the way up the flowering spike and usually plays second-fiddle to the attractive flowers.

Growth Habit – Delphinium is an upright, vertically growing plant that adds architectural interest to the landscape and catches the eye.

Dimensions – Larkspur ranges in size from 6' tall to dwarf varieties only 12” in height.

Maintenance – The taller delphinium varieties often require staking or support to prevent breaking of the stems. Deadheading can also produce a second flowering sometimes if a gardener wants to take the trouble.

Pests or Diseases – Both slugs and mites can sometimes pose a problem for delphinium plants and will have to be treated by the gardener.

Propagation Methods – Larkspur tends to grow well from seed and may self-seed in the garden. Division is also a common way to obtain starter plants as delphiniums can be divided every three to five years.

Using Delphinium in the Garden

Preferred Conditions – Evenly moist soil and cool summers keep delphiniums happy as they will tolerate part shade, especially in warmer climates. They are cold hardy to zone 3.

Companion Plants – Grow delphinium with other cottage garden plants such as thyme, lavender and more. Or consider other vertical plants like foxglove, hollyhock and astilbe.

Seasons of Interest – Delphinium plants provide interest spring through autumn.

Uses – Use delphinium to brighten up a moist garden spot where water tends to collect, or a partial shade corner that needs brightening and some eye-catching appeal.

Delphinium may not be as low-maintenance as some other perennial plants, but the look of the stately flower spikes in the late spring garden is breathtaking. Most gardeners who try delphinium in their landscapes agree that it's worth the effort required, to enjoy those lovely blooms.

The copyright of the article Delphinium Plant Profile and How to Grow Them in Perennial Plants is owned by Angela England. Permission to republish Delphinium Plant Profile and How to Grow Them in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.