Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ (New Millenium Series)

Description

Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ is a breathtaking perennial that produces tall spikes of sky-blue flowers flushed with pink and highlighted by a white bee. Standing up to 1.8m tall with a spread of 60cm, this hardy plant adds vertical drama to borders and attracts pollinators throughout its flowering season from May to July. With the right care, Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ will reward you with years of spectacular blooms.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ is in spring, when the soil is warming and conditions allow for strong root development ahead of the flowering season.
• Autumn: Planting Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ in early autumn also works well, giving the plant time to settle before its winter dormancy and encouraging robust growth in the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ thrives in full sun. Choose a position that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage tall, sturdy flower spikes.
• Soil: Fertile, moist, yet well-drained soil is essential. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter before planting to provide nutrients and improve structure.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball to allow roots to spread easily.
2. Soil Preparation: Work in compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and moisture retention.
3. Planting: Place Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ into the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill gently and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and support initial root establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Keep soil consistently moist while Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ is actively growing and flowering. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but take care not to overwater.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering once flowering has finished and the plant enters dormancy, only watering if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth and flower spike formation.
• Mid-Summer: A liquid feed during the flowering season will help prolong blooming and maintain strong, healthy foliage.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove faded flower spikes to encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Cutting Back: After flowering ends, cut Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ down to ground level. This helps prepare the plant for its dormant phase and supports better growth in the next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.
• Winter: Mulching also provides extra root protection during the colder months, ensuring Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ survives into the following season.

Supporting the Plant

Due to its tall flower spikes, Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ often requires staking to prevent stems from bending or snapping. Use sturdy canes or supports early in the season to provide reliable structure as the plant grows.

Final Tips

Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ is a hardy, pollinator-friendly perennial that makes a stunning feature in borders and cottage gardens. With its tall spikes of pastel blue blooms, it pairs beautifully with roses, foxgloves, or peonies. By planting in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, providing regular feeding, and giving proper support, your Delphinium ‘Blue Lace’ will thrive and deliver an unforgettable display from late spring into summer.

RHS Details

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