Delphinium Belladonna Oriental Blue - Candle Larkspur seeds

Delphinium (Belladonna Group) Oriental Blue is a perennial selection derived from the 'Völkerfrieden' variety. It is not a giant so it does not necessarily require staking and shows good disease resistance. Its branches are quite loose and its clusters of flowers are sparse, but they are a vibrant electric gentian blue that does not fade over time. This larkspur blooms in the first year. Its flowering period is long and can extend from June to October. Use the blooms for cut flowers.

Delphinium belladonna is a plant in the Ranunculaceae family belonging to a group of perennial varieties obtained by cross-breeding Delphinium elatum and Delphinium grandiflorum. 'Völkerfrieden Oriental Blue' reaches up to 1.30 m (4ft) high when in bloom, under optimal growing conditions, in rich soil with regular watering and feeding. In ordinary soil, with minimal care, it reaches a height of 70-80 cm (28-32in), so it will be fine without staking in sheltered locations. Flowering stems emerge from a clump of large, palmate and finely divided leaves, first in June-July and again in September-October, if you remove the faded stems as they appear. This variety produces slightly loose, 30 cm (12in) long, branched spikes adorned with small, 4 cm (2in) in diameter, single, graceful and lightweight flowers with a five-petaled corolla and a slightly swollen spur. They are a deep, electric, vibrant gentian blue. The plant develops from a woody rhizome that vertically penetrates the soil, which should be loose and deep enough to accommodate it.

Delphiniums prefer moist and fertile soils, but they do not want their roots in heavy and waterlogged soil. They do not mind harsh winters and enjoy being in the sun. If you provide these conditions, you will find them again every year. 'Oriental Blue' is of modest size compared to its giant cousins, offers less resistance to the wind and can lean on neighbouring plants. Its clusters are also less dense and more flexible, so its stems are less likely to break. Its intense blue brightens up summer borders, especially in contrast with plants with green-yellow foliage or flowers. Consider using lady's mantle, grasses, and other vertical plants like foxgloves or lupins. Its structure makes it a lightweight delphinium, ideal with shrubby plants like roses or peonies.

Note: From March to September, the stems of our delphiniums are pruned short to encourage better branching of the crown and achieve optimal rooting. This also prevents the stems from breaking during transport.