Also known as Larkspur · 797 gardener saves
Delphinium: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Delphinium, the genus most gardeners know as larkspur. We track 20 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Delphinium varieties
Of 20 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedDelphinium 'Double Blue'
Delphinium elatum 'Double Blue'
#2 most savedLarkspur
Delphinium elatum 'Magic Fountain Lavender'
#3 most savedBelladonna Delphinium
Delphinium x belladonna 'Dark Blue Dark Bee'
Faust Delphinium
Delphinium elatum 'Faust'
Pacific Giant Delphinium
Delphinium x belladonna 'Pacific Giant'
Summer Nights Larkspur
Delphinium elatum 'Summer Nights'
Tall Larkspur
Delphinium elatum
Cobalt Dreams Delphinium
Delphinium elatum 'Cobalt Dreams'
Delphinium Purple Passion
Delphinium elatum 'Purple Passion'
Giant Delphinium
Delphinium exaltatum
Mirabile Delphinium
Delphinium mirabile
Blue Buccaneers Delphinium
Delphinium elatum 'Blue Buccaneers'
Browse all 20 Delphinium varieties →
How to grow Delphinium
What the Delphinium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Delphinium year
- StakeApril and May100% of varieties
Install stakes or cages early before flower spikes develop fully
- FertilizeMarch and May100% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth
- DeadheadJune and July90% of varieties
Cut spent main spikes down to the foliage to encourage a second bloom
- Check for PestsApril–June80% of varieties
Monitor new growth closely for slugs and snails
- PruneOctober55% of varieties
Cut main spike back to basal foliage after first bloom for potential rebloom
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Stake tall stems to prevent toppling
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during flowering
- Refrain from pruning in late fall to protect overwintering buds
- Avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth
What goes wrong with Delphinium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite watering | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Delphinium
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist seed-starting mix in early spring (4-6 weeks before last frost).
- Keep soil consistently moist and place in bright, indirect light.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
Division
- Divide established clumps in early spring or fall.
- Use a sharp knife to separate root crowns into sections with healthy roots.
- Replant immediately in prepared soil.
Delphinium questions
How many types of Delphinium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 20 distinct Delphinium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 797 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Delphinium grow in?
Across its varieties, Delphinium covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Delphinium bloom?
Most Delphinium varieties bloom in early to mid-summer, mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Delphinium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Delphinium
Delphinium shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Delphinium in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
