Violets Are Blue Delphinium is a clumping perennial with palmate basal leaves that are 5-7 parted and leaf stems 3-5 parted.  Sturdy upright flower spikes densely packed with violet blue flowers with a white bee that bloom in early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded.  Blooms best with afternoon shade in Southern climates and rich, moist, and slightly alkaline well-drained soil.  Toxic if ingested.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Medium Maintenance.  Water regularly.  Deadhead to extend bloom.  Susceptible to powdery mildew, blight, crown rot, and leaf spot.  Watch for miners, borers, mites, and aphids.  Slugs and snails can do considerable damage.  Crown rot is inevitable if planted to deep or in poorly drained soils.  Water at base and avoid wetting foliage to lessen chance of powdery mildew.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Garden, Rock Gardens, Foundational Plantings, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Phlox, Speedwell, Coneflower

IMAGES: Prides Corner, Delphinium elatum 'Violets Are Blue'

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.