8 top delphiniums

‘Alice Artindale’ Unusual, fully double flowers like tight little rosebuds are sharp blue and lavender, sometimes with hints of green, and crowd the slender stems. Striking in the border and lovely as a cut flower – fresh or dried. H: 5ft (1.5m).

‘Fenella’ (AGm) This classic old variety is still going strong, a testament to its robust nature. The brilliant gentian-blue florets are smaller than many, but a full spike is still a highly impressive sight. H: 67in (1.7m).

‘rosemary Brock’ (AGm)

Has divided foliage and dramatic spikes of magenta-pink flowers, each with a tawny centre. Don’t be put off by the word ‘magenta’, though – the result is elegant, not brash. H: 5ft (1.5m).

‘Sungleam’ (AGm) The spikes may be a little shorter than those of many varieties, but the cream florets with their yellow eyes are unexpectedly lovely, and they bring a new shade to these stately plants. H: 67in (1.7m). Centurion Series Grown from seed, but with spikes almost rivalling cuttings-raised types. Flowers are white, rose pink, lavender or (probably the best) sky-blue. Germinate seed in the dark. H: 6ft (1.8m).

New millennium Series

The best seedraised series, with elegant spikes in a range of colours. Often available only as a mixture, single colours like ‘Sunny Skies’ (right) are well worth seeking out. H: 5ft (1.5m).

‘Spindrift’ (AGm) An old favourite, with long spikes of flowers. The blooms themselves are intriguing: blue flushed with mauve, and with hints of green – all offset by a sparkling bright-white eye. H: 5ft (1.5m).

‘Lord Butler’ (AGm) Dense spikes of very slightly cupped flowers in classic delphinium blue and featuring a few purplish tints in the centre. The clean and bright white eyes give the blooms real sparkle. H: 5ft (1.5m).