Delphiniums (Larkspurs)

Larkspur vs. Delphinium
Delphiniums are flowering plants in the genus Delphinium (family Ranunculaceae), valued for their tall flower stalks and dense spikes of colorful flowers. They are commonly called “Larkspur” and include both (short-lived) perennial and annual species.

Though not all flowers called Larkspur belong to the Delphinium genus, Delphiniums include about 300 species of flowering plants native to the Northern Hemisphere and high mountain regions. The name “Delphinium” comes from the Greek word for dolphin, referring to the shape of the flower buds, which resemble dolphin noses. You can read more about Delphinium in our blog article “All About Delphiniums (Larkspur)”.

The Visual and Ecological Value of Delphiniums in the Garden
When you choose Delphiniums, you're bringing both beauty and function to your garden. Larkspur flowers offer a variety of stunning hues, from deep blues and purples to soft pinks, whites, and more. With tall, spiky flowers that can reach impressive heights, up to 6 feet, Delphiniums bring verticality to gardens. This quality makes them ideal for adding dimension to flower beds, creating focal points, or filling gaps in larger landscapes. The plant also attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies while being rabbit- and deer-resistant.

The Best Garden Settings for Delphiniums
Delphiniums are among the most favorite flowers for many gardeners. Depending on your needs and gardening style, these flowers can work for a wide range of garden types. Here’s how they fit in:

• Gardeners with some experience who enjoy staking, feeding, and deadheading.
• Cottage gardens and formal borders where height and structure matter.
• Large flower beds and mass plantings that benefit from vertical emphasis.
• Pollinator-friendly gardens that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

If you garden in USDA zones 4–8 and experience cool summers, Delphiniums can become favorite flowers that define your garden’s character.

What Are the Different Colors of Delphinium Flowers?
Although Delphiniums are best known for their blue flowers, they also come in shades of pink, purple, white, and others. Below are some popular varieties:

• Delphinium “La Boheme”: This variety has excellent violet buds that open up to reveal a layer of frilled white petals that contrast against deep blue.
• Delphinium “Pink Sensation”: This variety features delicate pink-silver flowers, making it a great option for gardens that need a soft, charming focal point.
• Delphinium “Highlander Rainbow Sensation”: This variety stands out with multi-colored blooms, ranging from pink to lilac to creamy yellow.
• Delphinium “Highlander Cha Cha”: The double flowers of Cha Cha are soft white with pale green centers. When the flowers mature, they will turn light pink.

How to Grow Delphinium Plants: Tips for Success
Delphiniums are relatively easy to grow with the right care. Here’s how to ensure they thrive in your garden:

• Time: Spring is the ideal time to start planting.
• Location: Delphiniums are hardy in USDA Zones 4-8. They prefer full sun during cool summers with shelter from strong winds, although they can tolerate partial afternoon shade. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
• Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for these plants. In heavy soils, you can add grit to improve drainage.
• Depth: Plant each bare root 2 inches deep with 5 roots per 10 square feet.
• Staking: For tall varieties, you may need to stake them to prevent them from toppling over under the weight of their flowers.
• Watering: Plant the roots in evenly moist soil (just not too wet).
• Fertilizer: They are heavy feeders and prefer to be fertilized weekly.
• Maintenance: Prune spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Deadheading is essential to keep the plants looking neat and prevent self-seeding.
• Diseases: Watch out for powdery mildew, crown rot, leaf miners, aphids, slugs, and snails.
• Winter care: The roots can be left in the ground over winter, but you’ll want to mulch the plant in the fall before the first frost.

Tip: Read our growing guide “How to Grow Delphinium” for more information about how to plant Larkspurs correctly in the spring.

Top-Quality Delphinium Bare Roots for Sale at DutchGrown
At DutchGrown, we are proud to offer you a beautiful selection of premium Delphinium varieties, carefully selected for their exceptional quality and beauty. With over 140 years of experience, we ensure that every bare root you buy meets the highest standards. Discover our stunning collection and transform your garden with these breathtaking, high-quality flowers. We ship throughout the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delphiniums

Does Delphinium Come Back Every Year?
Delphiniums are short-lived perennials and can come back for 2 to 3 years. With proper care, they can multiply. Every 2-3 years, dig up the roots, remove the old plant, and replant the new shoots that grow around the base. This helps maintain healthy, vibrant blooms year after year.

Where Is the Best Place to Plant Delphiniums?
The best place to plant Delphiniums is in a sunny location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, although they can tolerate partial shade. They are hardy in USDA Zones 4-8 and prefer well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. So remember that Delphiniums prefer cool weather and require specific conditions to perform well.

Do Delphiniums like Full Sun or Shade?
Delphiniums prefer full sun and should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. While they can tolerate partial shade, providing them with ample sunlight will help them grow strong and produce vibrant blooms.

How Do You Keep Delphiniums Blooming All Summer?
To keep Delphiniums blooming all summer, it's important to prune and care for them properly. Thin the side shoots to leave only two or three strong stems, allowing the plant to focus its energy on producing flower spikes. Stake the flower stalks to support their growth and prevent them from toppling over. Once the flowers finish blooming, cut the flower stalks back to encourage new blooms, and your Larkspur flowers may bloom several times throughout the season.