Blue Mirror Delphinium

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Mirror'

Nature Hills Nursery

Compact Dwarf Delphinium with Intense Cobalt-Blue Blooms Perfect for Containers and Small Spaces
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Blue Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$34⁸⁶

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for the best flower density. In hotter climates, morning sun followed by afternoon shade is ideal to prevent the intense blue petals from bleaching or wilting in the heat.
Soil: Aim for rich, well-draining soil that holds moisture without becoming soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost to improve drainage, or add organic matter to sandy soil to help it retain the nutrients these heavy feeders require.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge during the first growing season to help the plant establish a deep root system. While mature plants can handle brief dry spells, inconsistent watering often leads to smaller blooms and stressed foliage. Aim for deep soakings at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinklings to encourage resilience.

Pruning Tips

Blue Mirror Delphinium blooms on new wood, so you should remove spent flower spikes promptly to trigger a second round of blossoms. Cut the stems back to the topmost leaves once the initial flowers fade to redirect the plant's energy away from seed production. Think of this like a mid-season haircut that keeps the plant compact and encourages a fresh flush of color in late summer.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the new green growth begins to emerge from the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season because this promotes tender, leafy growth that cannot handle the winter cold. Focus on phosphorus-rich blends if you want to maximize the intensity of the electric blue flowers.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Blue
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Mirror'
Species	grandiflorum
Cultivar	Blue Mirror
Class	Ranunculales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Blue Mirror Delphinium: Compact Bold Blue Color!

Gorgeous blue wands of romantic color, the Blue Mirror Delphinium (Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Mirror') is a compact Chinese Delphinium that dazzles with intense cobalt-blue blooms and a long-lasting floral display. Unlike traditional tall Delphiniums, Blue Mirror features a compact, bushy habit, making it perfect for smaller spaces, borders, and containers.

This hardy perennial blooms repeatedly from late spring through summer, offering a reliable burst of color.

Native to China, this species is known for its finely cut foliage mounds and prolific, richly colored blooms, adding a touch of elegance and drama to any garden setting.

Key Features of Blue Mirror Delphinium

Brilliant cobalt-blue flowers with distinctive cup-shaped petals.
Compact, bushy growth habit, reaching 12-24 inches tall and 12-18 wide
Blooms from late spring through summer, with repeat flowering.
Native to China, offering a unique alternative to taller varieties.
Attracts butterflies and pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Deer and rabbit resistant for worry-free planting.
Hardy in USDA Zones 3-7, thriving in a wide range of climates.
Low-maintenance and highly adaptable.

How to Use Blue Mirror Delphinium in the Landscape

Compact Cottage Gardens & Perennial Borders

Plant in mixed borders and Cottage Gardens for a splash of bold blue.
Combine with Coreopsis, Dianthus, or Shasta Daisies for a beautiful color contrast.
Use in group plantings for a striking mass of blue flowers.

Pollinator-Friendly Gardens

Attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms.
Include in wildlife-friendly garden designs for season-long interest.

Containers & Patio Displays

Perfect for small spaces, Blue Mirror thrives in containers and patio gardens.
Pair with ornamental grasses or trailing annuals for a layered effect.

Rock Gardens & Front-of-Border Plantings

Compact size makes Blue Mirror an excellent choice for rock gardens or front-of-border plantings.
Use as a filler plant to soften edges and create a cohesive look.

Cut Flower Gardens

Guardian Delphinium Mix is a favorite for cut flower arrangements with its long-lasting blooms and sturdy stems.
Harvest early in the morning for the freshest blooms.

Delphinium Care & Maintenance

These are easy-to-grow perennial plants that are a delight to have in your garden!

Sun & Soil Requirements

Prefers full sun, though it can tolerate light shade in hotter climates.
Requires well-drained, moderately fertile soil for optimal growth.

Watering & Mulching

Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the hottest parts of the growing season.
Add a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce competition from weeds.

Fertilizing

Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous growth and flowering.

Deadheading & Pruning

Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.
Cut back after the first flush to encourage a second round of blooms later in the season.

Winter Care

Very cold-hardy and easy to grow, Blue Mirror tolerates cold winters well. Apply mulch in late fall to protect the root zone.

Order Blue Mirror Delphinium Today!

Bring stunning cobalt-blue color to your garden with Blue Mirror Delphinium, a compact and versatile Chinese Delphinium. Its long bloom season, low-maintenance nature, and pollinator-friendly appeal make it a must-have for any garden enthusiast.

Order now from Nature Hills Online Plant Nursery, and enjoy months of brilliant blue blooms in your landscape!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the planting zones or growing zones for Blue Mirror Delphinium?

Blue Mirror Delphinium is hardy in USDA Zones 3-7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates from northern regions to temperate areas. This compact perennial thrives in cooler conditions and can handle frost well. Plant in spring after the last frost date for your zone.

Does Blue Mirror Delphinium grow well in my zone (e.g., zone 8 or South)?

Blue Mirror Delphinium is hardy in USDA zones 3-7 and may struggle in zone 8 or southern heat. This compact perennial prefers cooler climates for its best performance and repeat blooming through summer. For southern gardens, consider heat-tolerant alternatives available at naturehills.com.

What soil type is best for Blue Mirror Delphinium, and does it tolerate clay or sandy soil?

Blue Mirror Delphinium thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture. It tolerates sandy soil better than heavy clay, which can cause root rot. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage, or plant in raised beds for best results.

How much sun does Blue Mirror Delphinium need – full sun or partial shade?

Blue Mirror Delphinium performs best in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot climates (zones 6-7), afternoon shade helps prevent stress and extends the blooming period. Plant in morning sun locations for optimal flower production and compact 12-24 inch growth.

How often should I water Blue Mirror Delphinium, and can the soil be soggy?

Blue Mirror Delphinium needs consistent moisture but never soggy soil, as waterlogged conditions cause root rot. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically 1-2 times per week. Ensure good drainage for this hardy perennial, available at naturehills.com.

Blue Mirror Delphinium

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Mirror'