Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’

Description

Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ is an upright perennial prized for its striking blue semi-double flowers edged with soft white. Growing up to 1.2m tall with a 60cm spread, it thrives in full sun with fertile, moist, well-drained soil, and attracts bees, making it a garden favourite. Follow this guide to ensure your Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ flourishes.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Planting Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ in spring allows the roots to establish firmly before flowering, ensuring strong growth and prolific blooms.
• Autumn: Early autumn planting is also suitable, giving the plant time to settle before its dormancy period and encouraging vigorous spring growth.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Delphinium performs best in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. Choose a site with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimum flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile, and moist soil is essential for Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’. Avoid waterlogged areas, as this can lead to root rot. Enrich soil with compost or organic matter to improve structure and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal depth of the root ball to give Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ roots space to expand.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to enhance fertility and drainage.
3. Planting: Position the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and support initial root growth.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Keep your Delphinium consistently moist, especially during dry periods, but allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during dormancy, only supplying water if the soil becomes unusually dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage robust growth and healthy flower spikes.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding during summer promotes prolonged blooming and maintains plant vigour.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering, cut Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ back to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy and support vigorous regrowth the following season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulch in winter protects the roots from frost and prevents soil heaving.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ has tall flower spikes that may need staking in exposed or windy locations to prevent flopping.

Final Tips

Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ is a standout addition to any garden, providing intense blue blooms with soft white edges. Plant it in full sun with fertile, moist, well-drained soil, and follow this care guide to enjoy spectacular flowers throughout the summer months. Incorporate Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ for vertical height, pollinator attraction, and stunning garden impact.