Delphinium 'Dark Blue Black Bee' (Larkspur) – Tall Hardy Perennial (Set of 3 or 6)

Delphinium 'Dark Blue Black Bee' is a tall border delphinium with rich deep blue spires and a contrasting dark centre, the bee.

Delphiniums earn their place at the back of a border. Grown three or six together they give real weight, and the spires cut well for the house. Bees and butterflies work them through June and July, and cutting the spent spikes back to the base usually brings a second, lighter flush into September.

They arrive as established plants in 1 litre root balls, ready to go straight into the ground or a large container. Give them fertile, moist but well drained soil and a sheltered spot. Tall spikes snap in wind, so stake them early and keep them out of an exposed garden. Rabbits and deer generally leave them alone.

Cut the whole plant down once the foliage yellows in autumn and mulch over the crown. Watch for slugs on the new shoots in spring, and divide established clumps every three or four years to keep them vigorous. All parts of a delphinium are harmful if eaten and the sap can irritate skin, so plant it away from where children and pets play and wash your hands after cutting it back.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Delphinium, larkspur
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 120 to 180cm tall and 60 to 90cm across
• Growth Habit: Upright and clump forming, with tall flower spikes
• Perfect For: Herbaceous borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers, large containers
• Foliage: Mid green, deeply divided palmate leaves
• Flowering Time: June to July, with a second, lighter flush into September if the spent spikes are cut back
• Flower Colour: Deep blue with a dark black centre known as the bee
• Planting Position: Full sun or light partial shade, sheltered from strong wind. Suits a border or a large container
• Soil Type: Fertile, moist but well drained
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Maintenance: Stake the spikes early, water through dry spells, cut spent spikes back to the base after the first flush, and cut the plant down in autumn
• Seasonal Interest: Summer and autumn
• Type: Hardy herbaceous perennial