Blue Delphiniums

Delphiniums are herbaceous perennial flowers—meaning that they die back every fall and winter, but their roots remain alive and regrow the plant every spring and summer.

Is blue delphinium a perennial?

Delphinium is a perennial favorite as the tall spikes of blue flowers in the background of a stately English or cottage garden. The modern delphinium flower may be a single or double rosette in popular blue or red, pink, white, violet and yellow. Many of the flowers have white or black centers known as “bees.”

Do delphiniums like shade or sun?

Delphiniums should be planted in an area that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun per day, preferably morning sun. They need shelter from strong winds and rain downpours to avoid damage to the tall flower stalks. Standing water causes crown and root rot, so a well-drained site is a must.

What is a blue delphinium called?

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Mirror' Tall spires of brilliant violet-blue flowers rise above a tuft of large, deeply cut foliage. Its slightly shorter stature reduces the need for staking. An essential of the perennial border and of cottage gardens.

Can I leave delphiniums in the ground?

But delphiniums, when cared for correctly, are usually relatively trouble-free plants. They are often much easier to grow in the ground, but where there is not space, growing them in a container garden can be a good idea. For more detailed growing advice see our Delphinium plant care guide.

Should I deadhead my delphiniums?

Deadhead by cutting spent flower spikes back to small, flowering side shoots. After delphiniums have finished blooming, cut flower stalks to the ground, and new, though smaller, flower stalks will develop. The flowers will survive the coming cold days and even light frosts.

Do delphiniums multiply?

Delphiniums multiply quickly. Next year the plant will be at least double in size. If too large, the plant will have to be divided again the following year.

Do delphiniums only bloom once?

They bloom in early summer and often again in late summer or early fall. The tall spikes of these flowers need some type of support while blooming so they don't fall.

Where is the best place to plant delphinium?

For best results grow delphiniums in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Delphiniums are tall plants, so do best at the back of a sunny border. Avoid windy spots, as wind can blow the plants over.

How do you keep delphiniums blooming all summer?

To keep your delphiniums blooming, you'll need to cut the main stalk once the flower petals start to fall off. Then, fertilize the soil and water the remaining side shoots. Pruning your delphiniums can help them bloom all summer long, and it'll also give you some lovely cut flowers for your home.

Do delphiniums flower twice?

Delphiniums will flower in June and July. After this first flowering, cut the flowering spikes right down to ground and you'll get a second flush of flowers in August and September.

Should I cut back delphiniums after flowering?

Cutting back after flowering Early-flowering perennials such as geraniums and delphiniums are cut to near ground level after flowering to encourage fresh foliage and late summer flowering. These are then cut back again in autumn or spring.

Are delphiniums hard to care for?

Bring hummingbirds to your garden with these 22 flowers — including Delphinium. As beautiful as delphiniums are, they also have a reputation for being very difficult to grow.

Can delphiniums take full sun?

Full sun is ideal as Delphiniums bloom best in sunny spots except in the South, where afternoon shade is appreciated. These plants require excellent drainage. In poor or heavy soil, add organic matter at planting time to improve drainage. Delphiniums love fertile, rich, moist soils.

What is the difference between larkspur and Delphinium?

Delphinium tends to be a perennial species, whereas larkspur is an annual. The foliage of larkspur is finer textured than delphinium. When it comes to blooms, delphinium flowers are densely born on spikes, while individual blossoms tend to be much larger than larkspur.

Should delphiniums be cut back in the fall?

Cut flower stalks down to where the leaves begin once all the blooms have faded. This will encourage the growth of side shoots, possibly providing you with a second round of color before fall hits. Make sure you don't cut the leaf stalk off until all of the leaves have turned yellow and begun to brown.

How do you winterize delphiniums?

Use organic mulch such as bark, straw, pine needles, dry grass or chopped leaves. Mulch protects delphinium in a couple of ways: It prevents damage caused by freezing and thawing that can freeze the crown. It conserves soil moisture.

What can I plant next to delphiniums?

What to Plant Next to Delphiniums

• Peony.
• Chrysanthemum.
• Aster.
• Iris.
• Daylily.
• Allium.
• Roses.
• Blazing star.

Can you collect seeds from delphiniums?

To get representative flowers from seed in one season, I treat delphiniums as half-hardy annuals, sowing the seeds indoors in early spring and then keeping the seedlings growing steadily through to flowering. Seed harvested in August must be stored until February, which is where the first problem may arise.

Do delphiniums grow well in pots?

These flowers grow better in the garden, where their roots can spread out. But you can still grow them in a container without much fuss. The thing to remember when growing this plant in a container is that you have to divide it as soon as it gets big. Also, delphiniums grown in containers need to winter indoors.