Growing Majestic Delphiniums

Dramatic Delphiniums are highly prized perennials for their majestic flowering spires of elegant blooms.

Delphiniums are prized for their intense blue flowers, though they also come in violet, pink or white shades. Many have a charming ‘bee’ or central cluster of petals in a contrasting color, and all carry deeply cut, green foliage below their blooms.

The statuesque ‘Pacific Giant Series’ grows 1.5 meters or more and must be staked. Staking is not necessary for the 75cm ‘Magic Fountains’ hybrid or the bushier ‘Sherwood’ series. All three strains are available in the full range or vibrant Delphinium shades.

The 1-1.2 meter ‘Belladonna’ hybrids are less upright than other varieties, producing many branching stems and white or blue blooms most of the summer.

Towering Delphiniums are classic components of perennial borders and cottage gardens alike. The shorter varieties are perfect for growing in containers.

Plant drifts of tall Delphiniums that bloom in the same color, such as the azure ‘Blue Bird’ with is white bee, or the all-white ‘Galahad’, at the back of a border behind other plants.

Shorter Delphiniums bring color and substance to the middle of the border and are also ideal for lining walkways. A mix of violet, rose, cream and blue spikes will accentuate a winding garden path.

The smaller varieties are decorative in containers for the terrace or near the front door. Try edging the pots with white Sweet Alyssum or trailing Lobelia for a simple, yet graceful, effect.

The intense colors of traditional blue Delphiniums contrast beautifully with soft pastels and clear whites of other perennials. Choose companions with grass-like leaves or rounded forms for additional interest.

Pair the tall, deep blue ‘Bellamosum’ with mauve Columbines and chartreuse Lady’s mantle for a stunning contrast. ‘Summer Skies’ has sky blue flowers with a white bee and creates a wonderful pastel partnership with the pink blooms of Lavatera.

Pale yellow ‘Sungleam’ and deep lavender ‘Clivedon Beauty’ Delphiniums blend beautifully with white Shasta Daisies and silver Artemisias. Ignite this planting with fiery orange Oriental Poppies.

To plant your Delphiniums you will need:

• Delphinium seedlings
• Compost
• Fork
• Trowel
• Bone meal

1. As soon as the soil has warmed in spring, prepare a 45cm square for each seedling and fork in 5-10cm of well-rotted compost.

2. With a trowel, make holes 15cm deep and 45cm apart. Work a small handful of blood and bone into the bottom of each hole.

3. Plant the seedlings, taking care not to cover the root crown (where the stems and roots meet) with soil. Water to settle the plants.

4. After the flowers fade, cut spikes below the lowest flower. When new shoots are 15cm tall, cut old stalks completely to the ground.

For tall-growing varieties, set sturdy stakes as soon as the stalks being to grow. Be careful not to damage the roots. The stakes should be two-thirds the expected height of the flowering stalks. As the stalks grow, tie them loosely to the stakes at 30cm intervals with soft twine or yarn.

Buy seedlings in 10cm pots, choosing young plants with healthy leaves. Plant in early spring for the most abundant flowers.

Avoid overgrown plants that have already begun to form flower stalks, as these will not bloom as heavily.

If ordering seeds, do this in late winter and look to mail-order companies for seed mixes and single-color varieties.

Start seeds indoors in fine potting soil in trays eight to ten weeks before planting. Move seedlings to individual pots when they have two sets of true leaves.

Transplant seedlings into the garden only after all danger of frost have passed.

In cool-summer climates, plant in full sun; where summers are hot, plant in dapple shade.

Delphiniums thrive in rich, well-drained soil, so make sure you add plenty of compost before planting and water well during dry spells.

In areas with hot summers and mild winters, treat Delphiniums as annuals. In colder climates that can thrive for many years as perennials.

Plant your Delphiniums near fences, walls or hedges to protect them from wind.

When the weather begins to cool, cut back stems and foliage to prevent diseases and discourage insects.

Snails and slugs can devour young plants. Spread a barrier, such as ash or sand around your Delphiniums to deter these pests. The texture of the barrier will deter the snails and slugs from reaching the plants.