Delphinium Astolat Group (Candle Larkspur)

Prized by gardeners, Delphinium Astolat Group (Candle Larkspur) are tall perennials with sturdy flower spikes, densely packed with large, satiny, semi-double, lavender-pink flowers with dark eyes. Blooming for weeks from early to midsummer, these Pacific Giant hybrids add a wonderful architectural presence in the garden and draw attention from quite a distance. Rising from a low mound of deeply-cut green leaves, they have a neat compact habit. Splendid in cottage gardens.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Provide a sheltered location to protect your plants from strong winds.
• Apply a balanced liquid every couple of weeks in the growing season. For best flower spikes thin shoots when 3 in. high (7cm) to leave a minimum of 2-3 shoots on young plants and 5-7 shoots on established plants.
• Attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, but ignored by deer and rabbits!
• A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens. For the best visual impact, plant your Delphiniums in groups. Excellent as cut flowers, they deserve a spot in your cutting garden.
• Removing faded spikes at the base will encourage repeat blooming in the fall. Deadhead by cutting spent flower spikes back to small flowering side shoots. Cut down all growth to ground level after it has withered in autumn.
• Propagate by seed sown in early spring.
• Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, leaf miners, caterpillars, powdery mildew, and crown rot.
• All parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses. Poisoning is rare in humans, however, seeds and plants if ingested can lead to severe illness, paralysis, and even death.