29 Stunning Delphinium Varieties to Brighten Your Garden

Delphiniums, with their striking spires of blue, purple, white, and pink flowers, bring elegance and drama to perennial borders and cottage gardens alike. From compact dwarf types to towering giants, this guide explores 29 of the most delightful delphinium varieties, offering essential information on plant characteristics, growing tips, and distinctive features to help you choose the perfect types for your landscape.

Understanding Delphinium Species and Hybrid Series

Before diving into individual varieties, it helps to understand the main species and hybrid groups that form the backbone of delphinium diversity:

• D. elatum: The classic tall garden delphinium, known for its vertical spikes and range of blue to purple hues.
• D. grandiflorum: Often called Chinese delphinium, these are more compact with deeply lobed leaves and a wider heat tolerance.
• D. chelianthum: Valued for hybridization, contributing unique flower forms and vigor.

Major hybrid series derived from these species include:

• Aurora Hybrids: Renowned for sturdy stems and large, semi-double blooms.
• Delphina Hybrids: Compact cultivars excellent for small gardens and containers.
• Guardian Series: Noted for early season blooms with reblooming potential.
• Highlander Series: Scottish-bred, known for their robustness and dramatic coloration.
• Magic Fountains: Dwarf forms with densely packed, colorful spires.
• New Zealand Hybrids: Praised worldwide for their size, color saturation, and weather resistance.

Rare and Wild Delphinium Types

Some delphiniums are prized for their uniqueness and rarity. These wild or less common species add a special touch to naturalistic garden designs.

Peacock Larkspur (Delphinium pavonaceum)

• Type: Perennial
• Size: 12–36 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Zone: 3-7
• Flowers: White petals with deep purple upper segments

This bicolor larkspur stands out as one of the few nearly white delphinium varieties. It blooms from late spring through midsummer, thriving in moist meadows and prairies. The peacock larkspur is considered endangered due to habitat loss, so it’s seldom seen outside conservation settings.

‘Blue Butterfly’ (Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Blue Butterfly’)

• Type: Perennial
• Size: 12–18 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Zone: 3-8
• Flowers: Dark blue, dense and abundant

‘Blue Butterfly’ is a dwarf variety with intensely blue blooms and fine, ferny foliage. Its compact size requires no staking and tolerates heat better than many taller delphiniums, making it ideal for borders and smaller gardens.

Popular Tall and Dwarf Garden Delphiniums

Delphiniums are available in a breathtaking array of heights, colors, and flower forms. Here are some of the most beloved and visually impressive cultivars:

Guardian Series

• Guardian Blue, White, Lavender: These early-blooming, midsized plants (30–40 inches) boast tightly packed blooms in their respective shades. ‘Guardian Early Blue’ is especially notable for reblooming in late summer, extending the display season.

Magic Fountains Series

• Height: 24–36 inches
• Colors: Deep blue, white, lilac, pink, and bicolor

Magic Fountains are perfect for smaller spaces, featuring compact spires and robust growth. Their dense blooms and weather resistance make them a mainstay for windy or exposed gardens.

Delphina Series

• Height: 16–20 inches

This dwarf series is ideal for containers or front-of-border placements, offering all the beauty of classic delphiniums in a petite package.

Aurora Hybrids

• Height: 36–48 inches
• Colors: Blue, white, lavender

With thick stems and large, semi-double flowers, Aurora hybrids are celebrated for their durability and garden performance. They excel as cut flowers and create a dramatic vertical accent.

Highlander Series

• Features: Vigorous growth, exceptional flower size, and unique color blends

Developed in Scotland, Highlander delphiniums are both beautiful and resilient, with impressive flower spikes that withstand the elements.

Lesser-Known Beauties and New Zealand Hybrids

Several cultivars deserve special mention for their distinct coloring and form.

‘Fenella’

• Height: 1–1.5 meters (39–59 inches)
• Flowers: Long racemes of indigo to bluish-purple with a brownish center (eye)

‘Fenella’ is a shorter delphinium, but its lengthy flower clusters offer a dazzling display. The unique brownish eye and subtle shade transitions add interest to midsummer borders.

‘Michael Ayres’

• Height: Just over 1.5 meters (about 60 inches)
• Flowers: Rich royal purple with a dark eye, lighter center shades, and a matte finish

This upright cultivar produces well-branched spikes of vivid purple-blue, making it a striking focal point. It blooms in early summer and performs well in both formal and naturalistic plantings.

How to Use Delphiniums in Your Garden

Delphiniums can be used in various ways to create lush, colorful displays:

• Backdrops: Tall varieties like New Zealand hybrids and Aurora Series are excellent for the rear of borders.
• Mixed Beds: Dwarf types integrate well with daisies, peonies, and roses.
• Cut Flowers: Their long stems and vivid hues are favorites for vases and arrangements.
• Pollinator Gardens: Many types attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Delphinium Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Growing Healthy Delphiniums

• Plant in rich, well-draining soil and site in full sun for best performance.
• Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, especially in dry climates.
• Stake tall varieties to protect them from wind and heavy rain.
• Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and again after the first bloom for possible reblooming.
• Cut back spent flower spikes to encourage new growth and secondary blooms.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Pests: Aphids and slugs are common; use barriers or natural predators for control.
• Disease: Powdery mildew and crown rot – ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Weak Stems: Stake tall plants early and avoid overfertilization which can soften stems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best time to plant delphiniums?

A: Plant delphiniums in early spring or fall, allowing roots to establish before the heat of summer.

Q: How long do delphinium flowers last?

A: Individual blooms may last a week or two, but overall spikes can continue blooming for several weeks. With deadheading, many varieties rebloom in late summer.

Q: Are delphiniums toxic to pets or people?

A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and may cause skin irritation. Plant with caution around pets and children.

Q: Can I grow delphiniums in pots or containers?

A: Yes, dwarf varieties such as ‘Blue Butterfly’ and the Delphina Series are well-suited to containers. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix and ensure adequate moisture.

Q: What causes delphiniums to flop over?

A: Flopping is often due to excessive fertilizer, insufficient sun, or lack of staking in tall cultivars. Stake plants early and grow in full sun for sturdy stems.

Conclusion

With outstanding vertical presence, vivid colors, and a wide selection of sizes, delphiniums are a showstopper in any garden. Whether you prefer stately hybrids or rare wild species, there’s a delphinium variety to suit every setting and gardener. By selecting the right types and providing attentive care, you can enjoy a dazzling yearly display from these perennial favorites.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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