Guardian Mix Delphinium

Delphinium elatum ‘Guardian Mix’

Nature Hills Nursery

Semi-Double to Fully Double Florets in Vivid Blue, Lavender, and Purple Shades
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-7
Grows 3-5 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Showy Blue, Purple, White Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant

$34⁶³

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the strongest stems and brightest colors. In hotter regions, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to prevent the blooms from scorching and to keep the roots cool.
Soil: These plants thrive in rich, porous soil that holds moisture like a wrung-out sponge but drains quickly. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost to prevent root rot; for sandy soil, add organic matter to help retain the consistent moisture these heavy feeders require.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy while your Delphiniums establish their root systems. Once established, they are not drought-tolerant and still need about an inch of water per week to support their large flower spikes. If watering is inconsistent or the soil dries out completely, the plants will become stressed, resulting in stunted blooms and a higher risk of powdery mildew.

Pruning Tips

Guardian Mix Delphiniums bloom on new wood, so you can think of pruning like a reset button for the plant. As soon as the main flower spike finishes blooming, cut it back to the smaller side shoots to encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season. In late fall or early spring, cut the entire plant down to the ground to clear the way for fresh, vigorous growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Because they grow so fast, these plants are heavy feeders and need a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring when new shoots first appear. You can apply a liquid bloom-booster mid-summer to support the second flowering, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season. Excess nitrogen in autumn encourages soft, leafy growth that is easily damaged by frost and weakens the plant for winter.

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, Attracts pollinators, Deer-resistant
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-5 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Annual, Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Blue, Purple, White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Delphinium elatum ‘Guardian Mix’
Species	elatum
Cultivar	Guardian Mix
Class	Ranunculales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Colorful cottage garden charm, the Guardian Mix Larkspur (Delphinium x 'Guardian Mix') is a beloved tall garden performer packed with rich, saturated color. Featuring tight spires of semi-double to fully double florets in variable but vivid shades of white, lavender, sky blue, true blue, and deep violet-purple, this early-blooming perennial brings vertical drama to perennial borders!

Lightly fragrant, pollinator-attracting, and reblooming with deadheading, Guardian Mix is a hybrid strain prized for its uniform bloom time, cold-hardiness, and heat tolerance. It's an upright, non-floppy cultivar that blooms in early summer and can rebloom into late summer with proper care.

Guardian Mix has a tidy, columnar, vertical growth habit with hollow yet sturdy green stems, deeply cut palmate green leaves, and robust roots that form a strong crown. Each flower spike holds tightly packed blooms with a central 'bee' (the contrasting petal center) that adds extra charm.

Key Features

Hybrid Delphinium with early bloom and strong stems
Mixed colors: white, lavender, blue, purple
Reblooming with deadheading
Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies
Upright, non-floppy habit and excellent as cut flowers
Grows 3-4 feet tall and 1-1.5 feet wide

Landscaping Uses

Use Guardian Mix Larkspur to bring height, color, and classic elegance to your landscape. Its vertical shape and bold blooms anchor mixed borders and flower beds beautifully. Native to Europe and Asia, Larkspurs have been cultivated since ancient times and symbolize lightness, levity, and an open heart. The Guardian Series was bred for uniform performance and early blooming, ideal for commercial cut flower growers and home gardeners alike!

Cottage Garden focal point
Cut flower gardens for bouquets
Mixed perennial borders
Back of the Border garden specimens
Vertical interest in large containers as Thrillers

A variety of Delphinium, it produces multiple stalks from the base and grows about 3-4 feet tall and 1-1.5 feet wide, ideal for the middle to back of the border. Its green foliage holds shape well through summer, and the flowering stems make excellent cut flowers.

Care & Maintenance

Guardian Mix Larkspur is an herbaceous perennial that prefers cool summers, rich soil, and consistent moisture. It performs best with support and regular maintenance to prolong blooming. This cool-season perennial thrives in USDA growing zones 3-7 and prefers cooler summers. Ideal in northern regions and elevated areas where summers stay mild. It may go dormant during hot summers and heatwaves.

Planting Time: Spring or fall in cooler regions
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part sun; afternoon shade in hot areas
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; dislikes heavy clay or overly sandy soils
Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture; use the Finger Test to check for watering needs
Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture
Fertilization Needs: Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer or compost; repeat after first bloom for reblooming
Pruning Info: Deadhead faded blooms promptly to encourage a second flush; cut back stems after final bloom in fall
Division Info: Divide every 3-4 years in early spring if needed
Special Perks/Growing Tips:

Deer-resistant
Strong stems
Bred for uniform growth

A Towering Tale of Color & Grace!

The Guardian Mix Larkspur lives up to its name by guarding your garden's beauty with upright spires of spectacular blooms. Easy to love and stunning in bloom, this hybrid Delphinium delivers a wonderful range of colors and adds cool-season charm, fragrance, and pollinator support in a classic, vertical form.

Buy now, and Nature Hills will ship at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Guardian Mix Delphinium?

Guardian Mix Delphinium reaches 3-4 feet tall and 1-1.5 feet wide at maturity. This upright perennial produces multiple sturdy stalks from the base with a tidy, columnar growth habit. Plant it toward the back of borders where its vertical structure won't overshadow shorter plants.

Is Guardian Mix Delphinium perennial or annual, and will it come back each year?

Guardian Mix Delphinium is a cold-hardy perennial that returns each year, growing 3-4 feet tall with early summer blooms. This hybrid strain offers excellent heat tolerance and will rebloom into late summer when deadheaded properly. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable perennial performance.

What are the soil requirements for planting Guardian Mix Delphinium?

Guardian Mix Delphinium thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. These sturdy 3-4 foot perennials prefer rich, organic matter and consistent moisture without waterlogged conditions. Add compost before planting and ensure good drainage to prevent crown rot.

How much sun exposure does Guardian Mix Delphinium need?

Guardian Mix Delphinium thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering. In hotter climates, afternoon shade helps prevent stress. Plant in a location with morning sun and good air circulation for optimal growth.

How often should I water Guardian Mix Delphinium, and does it tolerate drought?

Guardian Mix Delphinium needs consistent moisture and does not tolerate drought well. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically 1-2 times per week during growing season. Maintain steady soil moisture for best blooming performance, especially during the 3-4 foot growth phase. Find this reliable perennial at naturehills.com.

How do I care for Guardian Mix Delphinium in winter to ensure hardiness?

Guardian Mix Delphinium is bred for excellent cold-hardiness and requires minimal winter care in most zones. Cut stems back to 2-3 inches after the first hard frost, leaving the crown intact. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles.

Guardian Mix Delphinium

Delphinium elatum ‘Guardian Mix’