delphinium
Delphinium elatum
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 7
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Blue, green
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Delphinium (Delphinium elatum) is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and average moisture. Blue flowers rise on tall, erect spikes from early to late summer, and butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the blooms. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Stake the tall stems in windy spots.
Pairs well with Hollyhock, Dense blazing star, Stargazer lily, and Little bluestem.
Native range
Europe, Central Asia, Altay, Irkutsk, and 6 more places. See all 10
Europe, Central Asia, Altay, Irkutsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, NW. Balkan Pen., Tuva, Xinjiang, and Yakutiya.