Delphinium (Belladonna group) EXCALIBUR™ 'Light Blue with White Bee' larkspur
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,6-0,8m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-September
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
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).
Description of the plant:
EXCALIBUR™ is a modern series of larkspur with many colour combination varieties. Plants from this series identify with shorter but densely branched stems, and double flowers. EXCALIBUR™ Light Blue with White Bee larkspur bears amazing sky blue flowers with a small white bee in the centre. They are semi-double and play with colours gaining rich azure and light violet hues before the top buds open. Stems are 60-70 cm tall and are produced continuously from late June until early September if you deadhead regularly. Deciduous, basal leaves are large, palmate, deeply lobed, mid green, up to 20 cm across, and quite resistant to downy mildew.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 the clumps are divided every 3-4 years in spring, and only the good and healthy plants are put back. Use a high phosphorus fertilizer every year for profuse flowering. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4), possibly more.
Last update 29-01-2014
WANT TO TRY A SIMILAR PLANT?
