Delphiniums are a group of plants from the buttercup family that have been found in domestic gardens for many centuries because of their pretty flowers that bloom in very different shades of blue or purple. About 5,000 different varieties are known worldwide, the growth heights of which differ greatly from one another.

Larkspur can grow up to two meters high

Larkspur usually between 120 and 150 centimeters high

The wild relatives of the cultivated delphinium - the field and field delphiniums - were still very common until a few decades ago, but have been pushed back by intensive agricultural use (and the associated use of pesticides). These original forms of the garden delphinium are only about 70 to 100 centimeters high, whereas most cultivated forms reach an impressive 120 to 150 centimeters and are often almost as wide.

Dwarf varieties of Larkspur

An exception is the popular Delphinium grandiflorum species Delphinium grandiflorum. This is only about 30 centimeters high, but forms very dense clumps and also impresses with its particularly large flowers. This species is perfect for rock and patio gardens and should preferably be planted in groups. Unfortunately, this perennial, in contrast to the tall delphiniums, which are usually perennial, is quite short-lived, but it reliably nourishes itself.

Delphinium elatum, the tallest variety

Larkspurs of the species Delphinium elatum (German: "High Larkspur") reach a height of up to two meters and more. The associated varieties are perennial and can often be up to five years old. The wild form of the high larkspur is mainly found in the Alps and other low and high mountain ranges at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. However, its cultivated forms also thrive - appropriate conditions such as calcareous and siliceous soil - in the lowlands.

Adorable Elatum strains

Surname flower color heyday growth height
eye candy Light Blue June to July 140-160cm
Ariel light blue, white eye June to July 130 cm
mountain sky sky blue, white eye June to July 170 cm
dusk dark blue, dark eye June to July 160 cm
Dreaming Spiers F 2 blue, white or red June to July 150 cm
dark aarhorn gentian blue, black eye June to July 170 cm
early ticket light purple black eye June to July 170 cm
glacier water light blue, white eye June to July 170 cm
cheers medium blue, white eye (semi-double) June to July 180 cm
mother of pearl tree light blue with a soft pink, brown eye June to July 180 cm

tips and tricks

Although all delphiniums are considered poisonous, the Elatum varieties in particular contain very large amounts of toxic alkaloids and are therefore highly poisonous.

Category:

Vegetable garden