Introducing...
Annual delphiniums
Botanical name: Delphinium, Consolida
Common name: Larkspur
Annual delphiniums and larkspur (Consolida) are free-flowering easy to grow plants. Add them to borders for long lasting displays all summer or grow as a cut flower to enjoy in the house.
Looks
Flowering throughout summer, annual delphiniums and larkspur have ferny leaves and upright spikes of pink, blue or white flowers, single or double. Plants can be up to 1.2m (4ft) high, but dwarf forms only reach 45cm (18in) so are good for the front of borders.
Likes
They like light soil that drains freely and full sun. Stake taller plants to stop the flower stems flopping over.
Dislikes
Avoid shady sites. Rich soil may encourage leaves at the expense of flowers.
Did you know?
Annual delphiniums make long lasting cut flowers and, with regular picking, will go on producing further flower spikes well into autumn
Growing guide
How to grow annual delphiniums
All the information you'll need to grow and care for your annual delphiniums can be found in the RHS Guide to growing annuals and biennials
Annual delphiniums we recommend
Delphinium grandiflorum
large-flowered delphinium
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Delphinium grandiflorum
large-flowered delphinium
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Delphinium grandiflorum
large-flowered delphinium
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Cut flowers: growing and selection
Hardy annuals: sowing in autumn
Hardy annuals: sowing in spring
Perennial borders: choosing plants
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.