Delphinium Astolat seeds - Larkspur

Delphinium Pacific Giants 'Astolat' is a superb perennial delphinium with tall flower spikes covered in large semi-double flowers in shades of lilac pink and old rose. From the famous Pacific Hybrids delphinium series, this cultivar combines the tall stature of Delphinium elatum with generous, refined flowering, prized in perennial borders and flower arrangements. Its delicate colour pairs beautifully with the pinks, whites and mauves of roses, peonies and salvias.

The Delphinium genus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. 'Astolat' is part of the Pacific Hybrids (Pacific Giants) cultivar series, a series that has become legendary, with variety names inspired by the legend of King Arthur (King Arthur, Galahad, Guinevere, Astolat…). Astolat refers to the medieval city of the Arthurian cycle, home of the "Lady of Astolat". This plant forms a dense, upright clump, arising from deep, almost rhizomatous roots that sink vertically into the soil. The deciduous foliage develops mainly at the base: the palmate, deeply cut, medium to light green leaves are borne on fairly long petioles and form a cushion 40 to 60cm wide. From late spring to early summer, numerous upright flower stems emerge from this clump, easily reaching 1.50-1.80m high. Growth is rapid: sown in late winter or early spring, the plants can flower in their first year. They reach their full potential from the second year onwards. It is a perennial with a relatively short lifespan (often 3 to 5 years), to be renewed regularly from seed or by division of young, well-established clumps. 
The inflorescences are tall, upright spikes, 60cm to over a metre long, densely packed with semi-double, 5 to 8cm diameter flowers. The colour ranges from lilac pink to mauve or old rose, with a contrasting central eye, known as the "fly" or "bee", usually white, cream or sometimes darker depending on the seed origin. The main flowering occurs from June to July, followed by a repeat flowering in September if the spent spikes are cut back to about ten centimetres from the ground and the plant is fed. The flowers are nectar-rich and attract bees, bumblebees and other pollinating insects.
The foliage dies down in winter and re-emerges in spring. Hardiness is excellent, at least -15 °C.

Delphinium 'Astolat' is best at the back of a border or in the middle of a bed. Plant it in groups of three to five. At the edge of a rose garden or in a cottage garden, it pairs wonderfully with romantic roses such as 'André le Nôtre' or 'Souvenir de Baden-Baden', large 'Sarah Bernhardt' peonies, or clumps of meadow sage. In a hazy, airy setting, it can be paired with Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna' or tall, delicate grasses.