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Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’

£9.95

(31 customer reviews)

Wide, smooth petals of azure blue surround a gently ruffled white eye on upright, sturdy stems. This award winner is a magnificent choice for the back of a sunny border. Height 1.5m. Spread 60cm. Flowers May to July. Full sun. Fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Hardy. Attracts bees.

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SKU: N/A Availability: 23 in stock

Description

Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’ is a striking perennial with tall, sturdy stems and wide azure blue petals surrounding a gently ruffled white eye. Flowering from May to July, it reaches 1.5m in height with a 60cm spread. Perfect for sunny borders, it thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil and attracts bees.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
  • Spring: Plant Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’ in spring as the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish firmly before the flowering season, ensuring strong growth and vibrant blooms.
  • Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn planting allows Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’ to settle in before dormancy, promoting robust growth in the following season.
Site Selection
  • Sunlight: Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’ performs best in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage optimal flowering and sturdy stems.
  • Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential for Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and soil quality, preventing root rot.
Planting Instructions
  1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal to the depth of the root ball to give Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’ plenty of room for root growth.
  2. Soil Preparation: Mix in compost or organic matter to enhance soil fertility and drainage, supporting vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
  3. Planting: Position the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Gently backfill, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
  4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help the roots settle and establish. Ensure the area drains well to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
  • Growing Season: Once established, Delphinium prefers consistently moist soil. Water during dry spells but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent root issues.
  • Dormant Season: Reduce watering during dormancy. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as minimal moisture is required.
Feeding
  • Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’ a strong start to the season, supporting healthy stems and vibrant flowers.
  • Mid-Summer: A light feeding mid-season encourages continuous flowering and maintains the plant’s vigour.
Pruning
  • Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to prolong flowering, maintain a tidy appearance, and encourage new flower production.
  • Autumn Pruning: Cut back to ground level after the last flowers fade, preparing the plant for dormancy and promoting healthier growth next season.
Mulching
  • Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like compost or bark chips.
  • Winter: Additional mulch protects roots from cold temperatures and prevents frost heaving, helping your Delphinium survive through winter.
Supporting the Plant

Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’ grows tall with upright stems that may require staking in windy locations. Secure the stems with garden supports to prevent damage and ensure optimal presentation in borders.

Final Tips

Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’ is a striking, bee-attracting perennial perfect for the back of sunny borders. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun, follow this care routine, and it will reward you with stunning azure blue blooms from May to July.

 

RHS Details

See more Delphinium from Proctors

 

Additional information

Pot Size

Plant Botanical Type

Perennial (herbaceous)

Flower Colour

Blue, White

Leaf Colour

Green

Varigated Leaf

No

Scent

Yes

Height

1.5m

Spread

0.8m

Blooms/foliage interest in

Spring, Summer

Evergreen

No, deciduous

Hardiness

mild winter to -5C

Container

Borders and containers

Sun/shade

Likes full sun, tolerates part shade

Soil Type

Loam (normal)

Soil PH

Neutral

Drainage

Well drained soil

Hazerdous

Harmful if eaten

Insect Attraction

Bees

31 reviews for Delphinium elatum ‘Blue Nile’

  1. Patricia Shennan (verified owner)

  2. Mary (verified owner)

    Well packed .Plant looks healthy.

  3. Chris Swales (verified owner)

    Excellent plant arrived well packed and great condition

  4. Terry Jenvey (verified owner)

    excellent service, great.

  5. Patricia R. (verified owner)

    Large plant, expertly packed and in excellent condition. Very impressed with your service,and will order more from you.

  6. Gillian Burton (verified owner)

    Healthy plant. Was not expecting it to have a flower head so a bonus

  7. Anna Morrison (verified owner)

  8. Rosemary Waterkeyn (verified owner)

    Three good flower bud stems. Unbroken in transit

  9. angela gant (verified owner)

    Fantastic plants

  10. Colin Mitchell (verified owner)

  11. Alice Queen (verified owner)

    Very pleased with condition of plants

  12. Marie Pollard (verified owner)

    Arrived as stated well packaged well grown and substantial plants Thank you

  13. Karen (verified owner)

    I believe these are the real perennial delphinium, rather than a hybrid between an annual and perennial, so we will see if they will last for more than two years if they do I will be buying more as excellent plants

  14. Anonymous (verified owner)

    Quick delivery. Lovely healthy plants

  15. georgie fry (verified owner)

    beautiful plants delivered promptly!!

  16. John (verified owner)

  17. John codling (verified owner)

    excellent service and plants very healthy. would highly recommend this company. cant buy better plants anywhere than proctors.

  18. NORMA (verified owner)

    The Delphinium plants were securely packed and arrived on time. The plants were a good size with healthy stems and leaves. Blue Nile is my favourite delphinium and I look forward to the plants flowering in my garden. Thank you Proctors for your excellent service.

  19. Cally (verified owner)

    The plants arrived safely and in good condition because they had been carefully and well-packed. Very pleased and will certainly use Proctors Nursery again.

  20. Martin Williams (verified owner)

    Plants are packed very carefully..arrived on time..are showing new shoots!!

  21. Jason Richards (verified owner)

    Beautiful, well rooted plants and well packed for safe delivery

  22. Jo Hill (verified owner)

  23. Philippa Pinn (verified owner)

  24. Tania T. (verified owner)

    All the plants were in great condition – delighted

  25. Jo K. (verified owner)

    Excellent service. Plant quality was excellent also.

  26. April Clarke (verified owner)

  27. Jean Roberts (verified owner)

  28. Anne-Marie D. (verified owner)

    Amazing, healthy plants, quick delivery,well package.

  29. David (verified owner)

    Nice very well rooted plants

  30. Shizuka (verified owner)

    Very happy with the quality of plants (all of them). Received fast and safely thank you!

  31. Anonymous (verified owner)

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