Delphinium elatum

Delphinium

Nothing is more glorious than a delphinium in bloom. They are demanding plants, however. They need full sun, or close to it. Their water needs are on the higher side, but soil must be well-drained for them to survive our wet winters. They do not tolerate excess heat well. However, we have had success with the ‘Guardian’ series, which are more heat tolerant. They are shorter than the Pacific Giants, but this means you can often get away with not staking them. And, if you cut the bloom stalks, they rebloom quickly. We’ve seen plants produce four rounds of blooms in a single year.

CAUTION: Many popular garden plants are toxic if eaten, but it’s worth noting that delphiniums, along with foxgloves and monkshood, are among the most toxic plants commonly cultivated. Take care with children and pets.

$5 pint

$7 quart

$10 gallon

  • Full sun

  • Zone 3

  • Herbaceous perennial