Introducing...
Perennial delphiniums
Emerging in spring, these imposing perennials soar skywards in early summer to tower above other border plants. Flowering in a range of colour shades especially rich shades of blue and mauve, they complement most border plants including peonies and the first of the roses.
Looks
The tall flower stems are densely packed with single or double flowers, usually blue, mauve, lavender or purple, with some pinks and whites. Each flower has a contrasting white or brown central ‘eye’. Flowers emerge from clumps of divided leaves.
Likes
A sheltered, sunny position with fertile well-drained soil is ideal.
Dislikes
Delphiniums dislike shady locations and exposure to strong winds that can blow down their tall flower spikes.
Did you know?
You can dry delphinium flower spikes and use the petals as confetti.
Growing guide
How to grow delphiniums
All the information you'll need to grow and care for delphiniums in your garden.
Perennial delphiniums we recommend
Delphinium (Belladonna Group) 'Völkerfrieden'
delphinium 'Völkerfrieden'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Delphinium Dusky Maidens Group
delphinium Dusky Maidens Group
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' (New Millennium Series) (d)
delphinium 'Pagan Purples'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Delphinium (Belladonna Group) 'Völkerfrieden'
delphinium 'Völkerfrieden'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Delphinium Dusky Maidens Group
delphinium Dusky Maidens Group
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' (New Millennium Series) (d)
delphinium 'Pagan Purples'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Perennial borders: choosing plants
Perennials: planting
Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials
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.