Delphinium Blue Bird seeds - Larkspurlphinium

Delphinium Pacific Giants 'Blue Bird' is a perennial larkspur whose tall stature, combined with the intensity of its blue flowers, creates a strong ornamental focal point in the garden. In late spring, it sends up imposing flower spikes adorned with large semi-double flowers that visually structure mixed borders of perennials and shrubs. Appreciated for their aesthetic appeal, the long inflorescences also promote biodiversity, their rich nectar attracting bees and butterflies. They also make stunning cut flower arrangements to decorate the home. So the seeds in early spring or in late summer/early autumn.

The Delphinium genus belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, like Columbines, Clematis, or Anemone. It has been known since the Middle Ages as Larkspur, because the flowers have a long hollow spur at the back that resembles the bird's foot. Furthermore, the genus name comes from the Greek delphis, meaning dolphin, evoking the shape of the closed flower bud. There are several hundred species of Delphinium, making it a large group that includes wild species, annuals, perennials, and horticultural hybrids, such as the Pacific Giants cultivar series.
The plant forms a compact, upright clump, arising from a powerful, deeply anchored root system, almost rhizomatous, which plunges straight into the soil. The deciduous foliage is mainly concentrated at the base: the deeply cut leaves are a soft to slightly bright green. Borne on long petioles, they form a spreading vegetative cushion, reaching about 40 to 60cm in width. Between late spring and early summer, numerous rigid, perfectly upright flower spikes, capable of reaching 1.50 to 1.80m in height, emerge from this leafy base. The plant develops quickly: from a sowing in late winter or at the very beginning of spring, it can produce flowers in the first season, although its full potential is mainly reached from the second year onwards. A perennial of moderate longevity — generally three to five years — it benefits from being periodically replaced by sowing, or by dividing young, well-established clumps.
The inflorescences take the form of tall, slender spikes, measuring 60cm to nearly a metre, densely covered with semi-double, 5cm diameter flowers. Their colour is a medium to bright blue, enlivened by a white centre called the 'bee' or 'fly', that creates a very pretty contrast. The main flowering occurs from June to July; a second flush in September is possible if the faded stems are cut back to about ten centimetres from the ground and the plant receives a nutrient boost. The nectar-rich flowers attract many bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators. In winter, the foliage disappears completely before reappearing in spring. The plant shows excellent cold resistance, easily withstanding temperatures of –20 °C.
You can also sow the seeds outdoors in late summer, in which case the plant will flower the following year.

Delphinium Pacific Giants 'Blue Bird' is particularly useful for creating vertical accents in a mixed border, much like clumps of Veronicastrums that flower at the same time. You can create a colourful picture by pairing them with clumps of Daylilies, available in many vibrant shades. However, remember to include plants with earlier flowering times in your scene, such as the superb Peonies, to extend the flowering period. Don't limit yourself to herbaceous plants; also incorporate shrubs such as the essential Roses or even plants with ornamental foliage to make use of all possibilities.