Delphinium elatum ‘Sweethearts’ (Candle Larkspur)

A sturdy performer, Delphinium elatum ‘Sweethearts’ (Candle Larkspur) is a tall herbaceous perennial boasting showy flower spikes densely packed with rich rose pink flowers. Blooming for weeks from early summer to early fall, it adds a wonderful architectural presence to the garden and draws attention from quite a distance. Rising from a mound of divided, dark green foliage, this Delphinium has a neat compact habit. It belongs to the ‘New Millenium’ Series, which is renowned for the excellent form, strong stems, and vigorous growth habit of its hybrids. Cold hardy, they are also more tolerant of heat and humidity.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• 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.
• 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.
• Deadhead by cutting spent flower spikes back to small flowering side shoots. Removing the flower spikes straight after flowering may encourage a second flush of flowers in late summer. Cut down all growth to ground level after it has withered in autumn.
• 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.
• Delphinium elatum is native to clearings, woodland margins, and river valleys from southern and central Europe to Siberia.