Delphinium (Elatum Group) 'M.F. Dark Blue/Dark Bee'

Larkspur is a favourite perennial where varieties with blue flowers are most popular. Though, in modern gardens and better garden centres you can find new varieties with pink shades or even purple-red shades as well as white. The name delphinium was used to describe the shape of the flower bud which looks like a dolphin (rather fat one).

This variety of larkspur has a long and complicated name where M.F. stands for Magic Fountains which is a range of mid-sized larkspur with good stems and large flowers, and Dark Blue/Dark Bee simply describes the flower colours. Outer petals are deep indigo blue and the centre is composed of 8 dwarf black petals that look like a black bee.

The basal leaves are mid green, up to 20 cm across, palmate, 3- or 5-lobed. Stems are 90-120 cm tall and from June till July produce flowers in erect spikes. Once the flowering has finished you can cut back the entire plant for the second flush in September and October.

Grow larkspur in any well-drained, humus-rich garden soil in full sun. It will benefit from mulching as it likes constant moisture. The plant contains toxin which may cause severe discomfort if ingested, or, to some, it may irritate skin. The plant is short-lived unless you dig out the clumps in the spring, divide them and plant back only the young and healthy ones. Use a high phosphorus fertilizer every year for profuse flowering. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4), possibly more.

Last update 09-10-2011