Delphinium All You Need to Know
These summer flowering plants are stalwarts of the grand herbaceous border offer structure and well-defined height. They are a hardy perennial great for the back of the border and for cuttings.
Left to right: Delphinium 'Summer Skies', Delphinium 'Astolat', Delphinium 'Galahad', Delphinium 'Black Knight'
Delphinium Planting Guide
Where to Grow Delphiniums
Delphiniums like a well-drained soil in sun. As they grow tall, they can overshadow other plants in the border, and should be given plenty of space. Remember that delphinium are poisonous plants, and you should avoid planting them where they can be accessible to grazing animals.
How to Plant Delphiniums
Growing one from seed is time-consuming and can be difficult, which is why I recommend buying these perennials online. These big, free-flowering plants need a soil rich in nutrients or well-rotted manure to thrive and grow into the glamorous plants they should be. Plant in a generously sized hole with the crown at ground level.
Delphinium Plant Care
As an exception to the rule, you can apply manure or a well-balanced fertiliser each year to get the best results from this summer flowering plant. They can need staking or support if they get particularly tall or laden with blooms.
Pruning
Leave the flower spikes to set seed before cutting the old stems off the plant to the ground. You should leave the foliage By this time, new shoots should be appearing. Remember to wear gloves.
Pests
The young leaves of Delphiniums are lush and soft, loved by slugs, and therefore they should be protected from these hungry pests.
Delphiniums Are Good With…
They are great with other tall plants such as Aconitum, Alcea (Hollyhock) and Lupinus (Lupin). Echinacea and Digitalis (Foxgloves) are medium height hardy perennials you may useful for hiding any support stakes.
