Delphinium 'Lilac Ladies'

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New Zealand Delphiniums

Common Name: Hybrid Bee Delphinium

‘Lilac Ladies’ is a blooming machine! Her first set of clear lilac purple flowers with lilac and white striped central bees will reach 3-4 feet tall in early summer. It’s a good idea to deadhead those first blooms once they are spent as it will quickly promote a heavy crop of secondary flowers on smaller stems shortly after the first round is finished. In New Zealand where it was developed, it produces three rounds of bloom; in the Midwest you can expect at least two.

Standing 3-4’ tall, this plant is perfect for the middle of the border.

The English hybrid type of delphiniums are bred by New Zealand Delphiniums and are hand crossed to produce the highest quality seed. These F1 hybrids have excellent form, strong stems, and a vigorous growth habit. They were selected for their improved tolerance of heat and humidity, while retaining their cold hardiness.

Height:

3.0-4.0 Feet

Spread:

1.5-2.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7

Flower Color:

Purple shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Late Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Delphiniums thrive in the cooler climates of the north country, though they will grow as far south as zone 7. The New Millenium hybrids, however, tend to be more tolerant of heat and humidity. They grow best in rich, well-drained soil with a basic pH. If your soil is naturally acidic, adding lime will help to provide these conditions. They are also heavy feeders. The addition of compost or manure to the soil as well the use of granular fertilizer will result in healthier, stronger plants.

Delphiniums can be grown in full sun or partial shade, though full sun may help to prevent powdery mildew. When planting, be sure to set the crown at or above soil level to avoid rot. Since their stems are hollow, taller varieties of Delphiniums should be staked to prevent damage from wind and rain. These new hybrids tend to be longer lived than their short-lived cousins but may be propagated from basal cuttings.

Characteristics