Delphinium consolida Misty Lavender - Forking Larkspur seeds

Delphinium consolida 'Misty Lavender' is an annual Larkspur of a rare, exceptional colour. Its double flowers, arranged in tight ranks on strong, upright stems, are a decidedly vintage lavender grey. While this colour may be a bit muted, it is not dull and allows for the creation of sumptuous colour combinations with plants of similar resonance. Annual delphiniums flower generously and for a long time, creating elegant, durable bouquets of fresh or dried flowers. Direct sow in rich, moist soil.

Delphinium consolida 'Misty Lavender' is one of the many hybrids obtained through cross-breeding D. consolida, an annual plant that prefers winter germination and grows in cereal crops on limestone soil. It is a hardy annual plant with rapid growth, forming a wide clump of 34 to 40 cm (13 to 16in), with finely divided palmate foliage in a tender green from which floral spikes of at least 80 cm (32in) high emerge in summer. Flowering takes place from June to September and is very attractive to pollinating insects. The cup-shaped flowers, gathered on tall upright spikes, display a wide range of colours depending on the cultivars. The plant develops from a woody rhizome that sinks vertically into the ground.

'Misty Lavender' reaches a height of 1.20 m (4ft) when in bloom. The erect and branched plant forms a basal clump of palmate leaves divided into linear, medium green leaflets. Dense spikes of astonishing pearly grey-lavender, double flowers succeed each other throughout the summer.

Delphiniums prefer moist, rich soils, but they do not like having their roots in heavy, waterlogged soil. They do not mind harsh winters and thrive in full sun. 'Misty Lavender' allows for the quick creation of a theatrical, yet elegant, composition by directly sowing it in the ground, in flower beds or borders. Pair it with romantic plants such as roses or peonies. Also consider other vertical flowers such as foxgloves. Take advantage of its exceptional, old-fashioned colour by associating it with old-fashioned poppies and annual flax. Create harmonious compositions with pale yellow and pastel pink flowers, as well as silver foliage. It is well-suited for cutting, as its flowers are particularly long-lasting in a vase and can even be dried. To do this, cut fully bloomed flowers into small bunches, hang the stems upside down, and store them in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.