Flowers

                                Are you looking to add some delphinium to your garden but aren't sure what variety to pick? There are many different options, depending on the flower colors and plant type you are looking after. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through her favorite types of delphinium that you can grow!                                


                            By Laura Elsner 
                                Last updated: November 11, 2022                                    |
                                15 min read

Delphinium are a favorite in gardens everywhere. There are several delphinium varieties that mostly originated from different regions in the Northern Hemisphere from Siberia, North America, the Swiss Alps, and even Africa. Delphiniums can be planted as annuals in warmer climates. In the colder climates of US hardiness zones 3-7, they are a perennial mainstay.

Delphinium is most often thought of as tall purple spikes of flowers. But they actually come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Some can reach heights of 6 feet, whereas others stay low to the ground and reach only about 12 inches high. There are varieties that grow in pink, white, blue, and even red.

So if you’ve decided to add these tall perennial beauties to your flower garden this season, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve hand picked our favorite varieties of delphinium that will thrive across many different hardiness zones. Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in and look at our favorite types of delphinium!

‘Astolat’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 4-6 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-8

The gorgeous purple flowers of the Astolat group bloom steadily from early to midsummer. The spires of semi-double flowers grow to be tall, about 4-6 feet high. Because they can reach such tall heights, it is important to stake early on and protect them from strong winds.

Pollinators, especially hummingbirds and butterflies, are incredibly attracted to these flower towers. However, because of how toxic they are, animals such as deer and rabbits leave them alone. Slugs, caterpillars, snails, and leaf miners can quickly infest the plants, so keep an eye out for these buggers!

‘Galahad’

Galahad is a beautiful pure white variety. It features a double row of papery white petals with a fluffy white eye. This variety grows really tall and looks great in the background of a garden. The bright white really pops at night.

Consider planting it in pops along a garden path to naturally illuminate the way when it is in bloom. I do recommend offering this variety some protection if you can. The delicate white blooms can get really ragged in fierce rain and winter temperatures. They may need to be staked or caged depending on location.

‘Guinevere’

‘Guinevere’ is as lovely as the Arthurian princess which it is named after. A lovely light lavender pink with a white eye. Its soft and delicate pale pink spires rise up high. I love the unexpected soft color that looks great mixed with pale blue delphiniums or as a soft contrast to white flowers in the garden.

For a sharper contrast, try pairing ‘Guinevere’ delphiniums with a red rose, such as the hybrid tea rose variety ‘Explorer’. This delphinium may need support to grow upright. It should also be planted in a protected area to prolong the flowers.

Peacock Larkspur

  • Plant Type: Perennial Plant Size: 12-36 inchesSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

White with purple upper petals, this bicolor delphinium is unique at the first glance. Being rare in color, this is one of the few white (or mostly white) delphinium varieties. They bloom most profusely from late spring through midsummer. Floodplains and prairies provide some of the best living conditions.

This variety is considered endangered. This is thought to be because of urban development, road maintenance, habitat degradation, and the application of herbicides from nearby agricultural fields.

‘Magic Fountain White’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 2-3 feetSun Exposure: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness Zone: 3-7

This compact variety of delphinium is so unusual it will turn heads in the garden. It has semi-double white flowers that are large on this shorter, 3 feet variety. Then in the center, it had a dark black eye that is a stark contrast. This spot is also called the bee on delphiniums.

This variety is great for smaller spaces and also does not require staking. It is also a great option for planting in a container. I imagine it planted with ‘Ray Black’ petunias underneath to really pop the black eye of the pure white delphinium.

‘Princess Caroline’

‘Princess Caroline’ is a great mid-sized delphinium. It’s fluffy semi-double blossoms and lovely dark coral to light salmon color. This is very unique for the often blue or purple flowers associated with delphinium. This delphinium variety is sure to be noticed in the garden.

This delphinium makes an excellent cut flower. It is another variety that doesn’t require staking due to its short stature. Be sure to cut back the foliage by midsummer to encourage fresh growth and to deter fungal diseases.

‘Guardian Lavender’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 2-3 feetSun Exposure: Full to part sunHardiness Zone: 4-7

This shorter variety is great because it seems it is more flower than stalk. It has huge long spikes of flowers that are large and the color of soft pink and blue cotton candy. ‘Guardian Lavender’ also makes a beautiful cut flower and is loved by florists. They were specifically bred to be early bloomers

This variety works great in containers and are excellent as thrillers. The large flowers on the shorter stems work perfectly in a pot. Try combining it with diamond frost or white alyssum underneath in a container for a whimsical container combination.

‘Highlander Blueberry Pie’

  • Plant Type: Perennial Plant Size: 2-4 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

The soft double-petal flowers of the ‘Highlander Blueberry Pie’ delphinium have light pink centers that evolve into a stunning blue. They bloom from late spring into midsummer. Remove flowers that have died to promote fresh blooms in late summer or fall.

These showy blossoms are also loved as cut flowers. They look lovely as borders or planted on the edges of a garden.

Delphina™ ‘Light Blue White Bee’

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: North Eastern United StatesPlant Size: 14-18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun or part shadeHardiness Zone: 4-7

This miniature variety of delphinium is perfect for small gardens and containers. Or it can be planted in the mid-range of a garden. Don’t make the mistake of expecting it to grow large like other varieties and plant it in the wrong location. By planting it in the low to mid-range of a garden, you’ll bring the intricate blue flowers closer to enjoy.

Delphina™ ‘Light Blue White Bee’ has two layers of petals in its flowers. It is a soft light blue color, almost a light lavender purple. Then it finishes with a ruffle white petaled bee. This petite variety does not require staking. It also makes wonderful cut flowers for an elegant bouquet.

‘Million Dollar Blue’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 2-3 feetSun Exposure: Full to part sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

Blue is the one color in the garden that is exceptionally rare. Especially true blue. That is why it is so striking and special. I find a lot of the ‘blue’ varieties of delphinium are more of a purple hue. But ‘Million Dollar Blue’ is almost as blue as it gets in flower.

Its deep blue color has a black bee which enhances the blueness of the flower. It isn’t exceptionally tall, but the large flowers mean this variety may require staking if you cant provide a sheltered location.

‘Summer Cloud’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 12 inchesSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-8

‘Summer Cloud’ is a unique variety of dwarf delphinium. It only reaches a foot high. It doesn’t have the traditional deeply lobed leaves of most delphiniums, nor does it have the long stalks of flowers that most delphiniums have. Instead, it has ferny foliage. Then on top of the foliage, it has small clusters of a mixture of blue and purple flowers with a white eye.

The foliage of this variety is airier and fern-like than traditional delphiniums. It softens the landscape and adds an unexpected pop of blue. This variety requires no staking. It would also add an interesting texture when planted in a container.

‘Cobalt Dreams’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 4-6 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

‘Cobalt Dreams’ is another great variety if you are seeking a true blue color. Developed in New Zealand, this hybrid features a double row of intense cobalt blue flowers. It then has a fluffy white eye which is a stark contrast against the blue flowers. This is a tall variety that makes a striking backdrop in your garden. Its bold color can be appreciated from a distance.

This variety should be planted in an area protected from wind and harsh rain to avoid the stalks from snapping. They also would benefit from staking to keep them propped upright since the stalk of flowers is very large and heavy.

‘Blue Butterfly’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 12-18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-8

‘Blue Butterfly’ is a sweet dwarf variety. It only reaches 12-18 inches high and doesn’t create tall stalks of delphinium flowers as most other delphiniums. Therefore, they do not need to be staked. This variety can tolerate the heat a bit more than others.

They are denser and feature a lot of blooms. They look great in garden borders in mixed perennial beds. The dark blue is really striking, and the ferny foliage is a great texture contrast to soften the landscape.

‘King Arthur’

There is a whole series of delphiniums named for the Arthurian legend, called Excalibur. There is ‘Galahad’ and ‘Guinevere’, but of course, it wouldn’t be complete without ‘King Arthur’. ‘King Arthur’ delphinium is a tall variety that is a royal deep purple color with a white eye.

This variety looks great from afar, making it perfect for the back of garden beds. This variety does best in a sheltered location since the stalks are tall. It will also need to be staked to keep the flowers erect.

‘Pink Punch’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 3-5 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

If you are lucky enough to manage to get your hands on ‘Pink Punch’ delphinium, grab it! It is a mid-sized delphinium hybridized in New Zealand with huge light burgundy blossoms. They have a nondescript darker eye which makes them seem a pure pink color. The petals are a double row. They look ruffley and romantic.

This variety is very unique and the flowers look great in the garden or as cut flowers. Even though these aren’t the really tall variety, the flower spikes are big and heavy and should be planted in a protected location to keep them intact for as long as possible. They will also need their heavy flower heads staked.

‘Paramo Azul’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 3-5 feetSun Exposure: Full sun or partial shadeHardiness Zone: 3-7

‘Paramo Azul’ is another great blue variety of delphinium. It is a nice shade of dark sky blue with a black and white bee. The flower petals are large and ruffled and tall. This variety makes an impact when planted in the back of garden beds.

It should be planted in an area protected from the elements. It will also need to be staked to keep the large flowers upright. This hardy perennial’s foliage should die down in the autumn months after weeks of glorious blooms.

‘Excalibur™’ Mix

‘Excalibur™’ is a series of delphiniums. It includes the white Galahad blooms, the pink Guinevere flowers, and the velvety purple blossoms of ‘King Arthur’. When you mix them together the colors all blend and go together to create garden harmony.

If you are going to purchase a seed mix of delphinium, the ‘Excalibur™’ mix is a good blend. They all can reach 6 feet and require staking.

‘Highlander Bolero’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 2-4 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

‘Highlander Bolero’ is a showstopper variety. It has huge double blossoms. The flowers have bright purple outer petals that slowly fade into a white center. It is fluffy and beautiful. The shorter stalks make it a good choice for containers. They also look striking in mixed garden beds.

Plant extra to use as cut flowers because they are gorgeous. The large fluffy flowers can have up to 58 petals on each bloom. Remove these flowers once they are spent to promote another round of blooms in the late summer months or in the fall.

‘Faust’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 5-6 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

‘Faust’ is a classic and popular tall variety. The flowers are an even deep blue/purple color with a dark eye. They are intense and beautiful even at a distance in the back of garden beds. Because of this, they would make lovely cut flowers.

They are very tall and heavy and will probably require staking. Plant them in a protected location to prevent the stalks from snapping in the elements. Slugs are particularly attracted to these flowers.

‘Million Dollar Blush’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 2-3 feetSun Exposure: Full to partial sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

‘Million Dollar Blush’ is a lovely pink variety. Its large double flowers will bloom in various shades of blushing pinks. This is a sturdy, shorter variety with big pink flowers.

It would look great planted as pops throughout garden borders and beds. It would also be lovely planted in containers. The light ruffle pink flowers are soft and romantic and would be a lovely accent to a cottage-style garden.

‘Moonlight Blues’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 2-3 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

‘Moonlight Blues’ is a lovely short variety of delphinium. It was also hybridized in New Zealand. It features light sky blue flowers and a black eye which is a striking contrast. This variety only reaches a maximum height of 3 feet making it a great option for garden borders and containers. The light blue is a unique garden color and is sure to be a focal point in the garden.

Consider planting it near a fountain, statue, or some other feature to really make that piece stand out. This shorter variety may still need to be supported depending on the area of the garden it is planted and how much protection it has. It might be shorter than some of the 6 feet varieties, but it boasts a long stalk of heavy flowers.

‘Sunny Skies’

‘Sunny Skies’ is a tall variety of light blue flowers. It is a lavender blue that almost has an ombre into mauve. Then it finishes off with a white bee. This tall variety looks great in the background of garden beds.

It has a soft, cool, and airy appearance that can make a garden appear bigger when placed in the background. This tall variety makes excellent cut flowers with its unique color. It is a tall variety that will need to be staked in order to keep the flowers upright.

‘Black Knight’

‘Black Knight’ is a big boy delphinium. It features large semi-double flowers of a deep velvety purple with a black bee. The rich dark color and sky-high heights are sure to be noticed in the garden. Place at the back of garden beds to create a dramatic backdrop to layer other perennials under.

This tall variety makes wonderful cut flowers. It will also need to be supported because of its size. Planting along the back fence is a good way to provide protection from the elements.

‘Sungleam’

‘Sungleam’ is an unusual variety of delphinium. It is a soft buttery yellow color. It is tall and has large semi-double flowers with a yellow bee. This flower is like buttered popcorn! Perfect for the back of garden beds.

I would try and keep this one protected from the elements. The delicate pale yellow flowers could be destroyed in a storm. They will need to be supported to ensure the big stalks stand upright. They would make a beautiful cut flower in a bouquet.

‘Casablanca’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 3 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

‘Casablanca’ is a beautiful white variety of delphinium. It has looser clusters of flowers on more stems than a traditional delphinium. The flowers are star-shaped with long pointed back sides. They are light and airy and make a perfect border planting.

This variety can also be used as cut flowers. Because of the light airy multi-stemmed growth habit, support is not required. It would also make a light and airy centerpiece in a container. Plant this variety as an accent with bold-colored floribunda roses.

‘Connecticut Yankee’ Mix

‘Connecticut Yankee’ Mix is a perfect blend of mid-sized delphinium flowers. This mix comes in a variety of shades of white, blue, and purple. It looks great in a cottage-style garden with its airy foliage and star-shaped flowers.

The plants have many branching stems that produce flowers instead of a single larger flower head of a lot of other delphinium varieties. This feature makes it a sturdy plant that doesn’t need support.

‘Aurora Lavender’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 4 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

‘Aurora Lavender’ is a beautiful light purple variety of delphinium. The whole Aurora series features sturdy stalks and dense flowers. The lavender variety is a romantic light color with a white bee.

It makes beautiful cut flowers. It is shorter in height than some varieties. The stalks are large and densely packed with flowers, so they may need to be staked depending on their location.

‘Blue Bird’

  • Plant Type: PerennialPlant Size: 3-6 feetSun Exposure: Full sunHardiness Zone: 3-7

Blue delphinium is one of the most popular colors, so I am mentioning another true blue variety. ‘Blue Bird’ is a very tall variety of delphinium. It has densely packed dark blue flowers with a white center.

This variety will really stand out in the back of garden beds. I recommend staking this variety as it grows so it does not flop and break. It should also be protected from strong winds. The deep blue color makes it an excellent cut flower.

‘Percival’

‘Percival’ is a tall white delphinium with a black bee. The black center really makes this variety stand out. It’s a beautiful cottage flower with a Gothic edge. It would be a striking addition to the back of garden beds. ‘Percival’ has large semi-double flowers that will need to be staked to keep them uptight as they bloom. These unique blooms would be lovely in a bouquet.

If this variety is too tall for your space, consider planting ‘Magic Fountain White’. It has the same white flower and black bee but only reaches 3 feet in height.

Final Thoughts

So many choices of delphinium! Where to start? I suggest reading through this list and picking a few that will suit your needs in terms of size and color. Look at taller varieties to go in the back of garden beds. Dwarf varieties are great for garden borders and container planting. Or choose a mid-size variety for pops of color throughout a garden bed.

You may not be able to find the exact variety you have chosen from this list. But go to your local garden center and keep the aspects you are looking for in mind and choose a delphinium variety that fits your needs.

                        RELATED POSTS                        


            21 Yellow Peony Varieties to Brighten Your Flowerbeds            


            How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Lantana Plants            


            21 Fall Blooming Perennial Flowers For Your Flower Garden            


            How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Salvia Flowers