Delphinium (Pacific Hybrids) 'GALAHAD'

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).

Galahad larkspur was named after a brave knight who was sent to find the Holy Grail after being invited to become a Knight of The Round Table. In the legends Galahad is unanimously described as a man of pure character and strong belief. Possibly these features gave birth to the idea of naming this larkspur after him. The white colour of this variety’s flowers is as pure as Galahad’s character, they are double and come out in such abundance similar to Galahad’s luxuriant hair, and the stems stand strong and steady like the knight himself when accomplishing King Arthur’s test with his famous sword.

Deciduous, basal leaves are large, palmate, deeply lobed, and light to mid green. Once the flowering has finished you can cut back the entire plant to encourage the second flush in late August and September, possibly October. It is incredible to see richly flowering perennials in autumn gardens when most other plants are slowly fading away. Treat this larkspur against powdery mildew in early summer.

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. The plant is short-lived unless once in every 3-4 years you dig out the clumps in the spring, divide them, and plant back only the young and healthy ones. Use a high phosphorus fertilizer every year for profuse flowering. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4), possibly more.

Last update 28-11-2013