Delphinium grandiflorum 'DELFIX^® ROSE'

Larkspur is a favourite perennial where varieties with blue flowers are most popular. Though, in modern gardens and better garden centres you can find new varieties with pink shades or even purple-red shades as well as white. The name delphinium was used to describe the shape of the flower bud which looks like a dolphin (rather a fat one).

Delfix^® Rose is a dwarf variety of Chinese larkspur with very soft rosy pink flowers. They are single, sometimes decorated with a white bee in the centre, and their colour is very difficult to photograph. It makes a low, compact clump, 30-40 cm tall, producing an abundance of flowers from early summer. Once the main flowering has finished you can cut back the entire plant near the ground to encourage the second flush of flowers and fresh foliage in late August and September. Under good conditions it may continue until early October. Deciduous, basal leaves are mid green, deeply cut making a lacy appearance. Bred by Syngenta Flowers and introduced in 2001.

Grow larkspur in any well-drained, humus-rich garden soil in full sun. It will benefit from mulching as it likes constant moisture. The plant contains toxin which may cause severe discomfort if ingested, or, to some, it may irritate skin. Using a fertilizer high in phosphorus every year will ensure profuse flowering. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4), possibly more.

Last update 17-07-2013