Delphiniums

Delphiniums

Blue, white and pink delphiniums make wonderful cut flowers and provide beautiful airy height to any arrangement. Unfortunately, slugs love them too, especially the young new shoots. Discourage them by putting some gravel at the base of the plant and applying nematodes several times during the growing season.

Planting and Staking Delphiniums

Delphiniums are perennials, and if well cared for, they can grow and flower for many years. As delphinium stems are quite delicate, you need to support them with metal or bamboo stakes. A simple way to do so is to place three bamboo canes around the plant, wind a length of twine around the canes, and keep adding layers as the plant grows.

We plant delphiniums in dedicated rows for picking, and in herbaceous borders among roses and other perennials. One of our top favourite varieties is 'Pink Ruffles', though we also use many white and electric-blue varieties.

Top Tips

• Pick delphiniums at the beginning of June; they will flower again in September.
• Protect young delphiniums from slugs with gravel and/or nematodes.
• Keep nematodes in the fridge and sprinkle them on the ground twice at six-weekly intervals from the beginning of March.
• Dahlias also attract slugs; protect them by applying nematodes regularly from early May onwards.
• Support delphiniums with metal stakes or bamboo sticks.
• Plant delphiniums in wide rows, allowing plenty of room for access.
• Don't be afraid of picking delphiniums; doing so will encourage them to produce second flowers.

Plant Directory

Dahlia

common name: dahlia

Delphinium

common names: delphinium, larkspur, consolida

Glossary

Nematodes - roundworms

Suppliers

Garden Organic

Leander Architectural

Blackmore & Langdons