Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ (Pacific Giant Series)

Description

Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ is a pacific hybrid perennial featuring tall spikes of soft lavender-pink flowers that bloom from May to July. Growing up to 1.7m tall with a 75cm spread, it thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Hardy and bee-attracting, this striking perennial is perfect for adding vertical colour to borders and garden beds.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ in spring when the soil starts to warm. This allows the roots to establish before the blooming season, promoting a healthy, vigorous plant.
• Autumn: Early autumn planting is also suitable, letting the plant settle in before dormancy and encouraging strong growth the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is fertile, moist, and well-drained. Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Incorporate compost or organic matter to enhance soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal in depth to the root ball to give the roots room to expand.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve nutrient content and drainage.
3. Planting: Position Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill gently and firm the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure excess water drains away to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ regularly during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root problems.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly, only providing moisture if the soil becomes extremely dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ a strong start and support healthy growth.
• Mid-Summer: A light fertiliser application can prolong flowering and maintain the plant’s vigour.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period and keep Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering finishes, cut the plant back to ground level to prepare for dormancy and encourage strong growth next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Add a layer of mulch around Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulch protects the roots from cold and prevents frost heaving, ensuring survival through winter.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ has tall, upright stems that may need staking in windy locations to prevent stem breakage and support flower spikes.

Final Tips

Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ is a stunning perennial that adds vertical colour and charm to any garden border. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, provide regular care, and enjoy its elegant lavender-pink blooms from late spring to early summer. Its height, beauty, and ability to attract bees make Delphinium ‘Guinevere’ a standout addition to perennial beds and borders.

RHS Details 

See more Delphinium from Proctors