Bold & Bright - Delphinium and Larkspur

Grown for their showy spikes packed full of vibrant florets, Delphiniums come in brilliant shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. There are about 300 species of this flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae.

Related to the red and yellow native Larkspur, Hellebores, and Monkshood, and a member of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), Delphinium has a long history in medicine, cultural and religious significance.

It also includes a slightly different variation, known as Larkspur, Delphiniums get their name from the Latin for 'dolphin'. This refers to the nectary at the base of each flower that resembles a dolphin. The big flower spikes flower from the base up, creating a tapering bloom full of flat, ruffled, and colorful florets that flower for a long time as a whole. The small black dot in the middle is known as the 'bee'. Some Delphinium flowers are doubles!

The green basal rosettes have fine-cut, deeply incised foliage reminiscent of Japanese Maples with deep grooves along the midribs for a textured effect. Deer and rabbit-resistant because of their thick leaves and possibly because of a strong flavor.

Look through our helpful Garden Blog about Delphinium, or check out these popular categories:

• Pinching Back Plants 
• Dividing Perennials
• Creating Arrangements
• Planting Perennials

Some popular Delphinium and Larkspur varieties:

• Summer Blues Delphinium - Larkspur-type with light blue and white airy wands
• Summer Mornings Delphinium - Larkspur-type with large barely-there pink blossoms
• Blue Lace Delphinium - a lovely lavender and blue double Delphinium
• Delphinium Blue Butterfly - true blue Larkspur-type wands
• Magic Fountains White Dark Bee Delphinium - Densely packed white flower spires
• Pink Punch Delphinium - soft rosy-pink Larkspur-style airy wands

How To Use Delphinium In Your Garden

This plant is a native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and the many cultivars are a favorite of many gardeners.

Delphinium are perfect plants for adding tall, linear pops of color throughout the summer garden, typically from June to September! Smaller varieties are fantastic planter thrillers that add height without taking up much space.

Add any of these dramatic blooms to your Cottage Garden, mixed perennial border, or along pathways and walkways without worrying about them taking up too much space. Any garden becomes a pollinator garden and cut flower garden with these dramatic spires!

Available in pink, purple, and white, Delphinium includes some of the few 'true blue' flowers!

Small Delphiniums are wonderful front-of-the-border accents and edging! While taller varieties are dramatic back-of-the-border accents, backdrops, and towering focal points among the garden beds and borders.

Delphinium FAQs

Choosing The Right Delphinium For You!

Cold hardy down to USDA zone 3 and tolerating summers up to planting zone 7. With Diamonds Blue Dwarf being an exception that handles up to hardiness zone 9.

Browse only for the Delphinium plant for your Planting Zone using our USDA zone filters, choose sun exposure levels, or narrow the options by flower color, size, and more!

• From the tallest NEW MILLENNIUM™ Purple Passion and Blue Lace Delphinium.
• The smaller Summer Delphinium series barely reaches a foot high.
• Mid-range-sized Delphiniums are perfect for pops of vertical color anywhere.

Are Delphiniums Fragrant?

Not only are the flowering spikes super showy, but Delphinium flowers are fragrant and attract more than people to check out their impressive flowers! The fragrance attracts bees, butterflies, and even a few curious hummingbirds! These are must-haves for the pollinator border, and your cut flower garden!

Caring For Delphinium

Where is the best place to plant Delphiniums? Delphiniums require moist, cool summers, and it is suggested that they be bought as a plant since it is difficult to grow them from seed. While short-lived perennials, the many off-shoots that form around the main plant can be transplanted and enjoyed year after year!

Get your new Delphinium off on the right foot with these simple tips, planting advice in our #ProPlantTips, and with Nature Hills Root Booster!

Do Delphiniums like sun or shade? Delphiniums have the strongest stems in 6 hours or more sun per day

These perennials do best in moist, well-drained soil. Create raised gardens or berms if you have poor drainage. Water new plants regularly using the Finger Test to help them get established. Provide a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch over the root system (not covering the crowns)

How do you care for Delphiniums after they bloom? Deadhead as flowers fade to encourage a rebloom. Prune Delphinium leaves back in the late autumn.

• Provide regular fertility in the spring and early summer
• Give taller varieties support if your area has strong winds and storms

Do Delphiniums come back every year?

Delphiniums multiply! Delphinium and Larkspur are perennial plants but can be short-lived. However, the many side shoots that form at the base of the plant can be divided and transplanted to keep the plant growing and flowering vigorously.

Why Order Delphiniums From NatureHills.com?

Family-owned and operated since 2001, Nature Hills Nursery prides itself on meeting the needs of customers with an ever-growing collection of online plants backed by our product guarantee and protected by Plant Sentry™.

All of our Delphiniums are delivered safely to your home with instructions for planting, care, and storage, so you can order knowing you'll have exactly what you need! You'll find more information in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog for extra support and inspiration!

Call now at (402) 934-8116 and learn more about what showy perennial Delphinium can do for your landscape!