Photo of Delphinium elatum flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Delphinium elatum

Also Known As

  • Delphinium elatum 'Bee Larkspur'
  • Delphinium elatum 'True Wild Form'
  • Delphinium elatum [true wild form]
  • Bee Larkspur Perennial Delphinium

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'-5'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 3a-7b

More Options

Delphinium elatum plant details

Delphinium elatum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Delphinium elatum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Delphinium elatum

USDA Zones: 3a - 7b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This species, with its vivid blue petals brushed with violet, has added advantages over modern types. Only in windy sites do they need staking, and they are quite hardy, lasting in my garden for years. Combine with lilies, phlox and roses for an old-fashioned romantic garden.
The mother of all modern hybrid Delphiniums! And in my opinion, the easiest & most rewarding Delph for the garden. First of all, you’ll never have to worry, “What happened to my Delphinium?” Super strong & sturdy, this originates from the mountains of Europe has not been weakened by man’s quest for bigger blooms, shorter stature, etc. In fact, each year it grows more substantial & wider in girth. Almost always in bloom from Spring thru Fall, it’s a cut-&-come again continual cut flower machine in properly composted soil. Gorgeous flowers in blue & purple shades with rear spurs, & some feature fab, furry “bee-butts” in the center. Highly attractive to boy-bees. Hee-hee! No staking needed & very mildew resistant, too! Cut back any time to 3” tall for renewed fresh growth.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Delphinium elatum plant

How to Grow Delphinium elatum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Delphinium for your garden

aka Baker's Larkspur

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 18"-26"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium bakeri flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 12"-20"

Width: 15"-30"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium ceratophorum close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Yellow Larkspur

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium luteum flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Desert Larkspur

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10a

Size

Height: 6"-15"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium parishii flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Delphinium elata 'New Heights', Delphinium elatum 'New Heights Strain', New Heights Delphinium

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 4'

Width: 2'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Delphinium elatum New Heights Strain flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant
+66 more Delphinium
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