A member of the Ranunculaceae family, delphinium – also known as larkspur – is a hardy perennial originally admired by the Victorians, who started to hybridise it. Today, it remains a much-loved cottage-garden favourite, thanks to its brilliant blue or romantic pastel tones and flowering longevity in summer. The form is also impressive, with giant columns filled with flowers and palmately lobed leaves.
Despite their imposing size and height, delphiniums offer an air of elegance and femininity. The three varieties shown here make striking cut flowers, but may sometimes need staking. Max spread 2ft
(60cm).
Showy open blooms offer a understated beauty in a very unusual sherbet lemon colour on this belladonna-type delphinium. The stems are well branched and upright, with deeply dissected leaves that add variety to borders. Works best in well-drained soil and sheltered locations where the slender structure will be protected from prevailing winds. Height6ft (1.8m).
Despite its unusual bicoloured appearance, this elatum-type delphinium is incredibly resilient and very hardy. Its flowers are intricately ruffled and double, adding another dimension to borders and bouquets. Each bloom is encompassed by navy blue sepals and multiple layers of frilly white with a light green blush. Height 2ft 7in (80cm).
Exquisitely understated, the large flower spires each feature a striking contrast of pink-blushed white blooms and a coal black eye. ‘Sky Sensation’ is a very soughtafter and difficult to find delphinium; to showcase its rarity, place this unusual variety in a sunny area where everyone can see it and wonder at its beauty. Height 3ft (90cm).