Delphinium Crystal Delight - Larkspur

Delphinium Crystal Delight, also known as Tall Larkspur, is a perennial variety that is part of the 'Highlanders' series recently developed in Scotland. This plant offers something truly new, with very double, crumpled and toothed flowers, with petals of a crystalline blue around a tight, very pale green to white centre. They appear in summer, arranged very regularly along particularly elegant airy spikes. The plant has a slightly more compact habit than classic varieties and produces sturdy stems that do not really require staking. An irresistible delphinium with subtle nuances, but also a very hardy perennial, happy even in clay and heavy soils. Its infinitely delicate flowers are perfect for bouquets.

Delphinium Crystal Delight belongs to the Elatum group and the ranunculaceae family. This group brings together most of the large delphiniums, whose tight flowers on tall, usually unbranched, floral stems exceed 6 cm (2in) in diameter. The name of the 'Highlanders' series was inspired by the extraordinarily clear waters of the lakes found in the Scottish region of the 'Highlands'. These varieties bloom from early summer until autumn, provided that the flower stalks are cut as they fade, and make excellent cut flowers. 'Crystal Delight' forms a clump of very finely divided palmate, tender green leaves from which solid floral stems measuring 1.20 m (4ft) in height emerge in summer. The flowering takes place from June to September and is very popular with pollinating insects. The flowers are composed of numerous rows of slightly toothed petals, overlapping each other in perfectly arranged cups on tall erect spikes. The flowers are two-toned, clear lilac-blue, on a pale green bud, washed with very pale yellow and white, which opens into a small collar of the same shade. The plant develops from a woody rhizome that sinks into the ground.

The height of Tall Larkspur will structure and balance the volumes in the garden. Planted individually, they will bring height and lightness to flower beds against a dark background of hedges or conifers. They like a sunny exposure sheltered from strong winds in deep and humus-bearing soil, which remains moist even in summer. You can combine 'Crystal Delight' with other delphiniums in pink and blue or with Globemaster alliums to play with the contrast of shapes, and perennial geraniums or baby's breath to create a lighter scene. They are also good companions for moss or gallica roses, with which they create charming and romantic displays. They will integrate just as well into a formal and geometric flower bed as into a country-style setting.

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