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Delphinium New Zealand ‘Mini Stars’ (Candle Larkspur)

Mini Stars Delphinium, Mini Stars Larkspur

Delphinium New Zealand 'Mini Stars', Delphinium 'Mini Stars'
Delphinium New Zealand 'Mini Stars', Delphinium 'Mini Stars'

Delphinium New Zealand ‘Mini Stars’ represents an evolution in delphinium breeding. Unlike its taller cousins, this variety presents a compact habit, usually reaching just 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) in height. Though short in stature, it’s by no means short on beauty. Blooming in early summer, ‘Mini Stars’ bursts forth with an array of striking multicolored flowers that can range from deep blues and purples to vibrant pinks, all set against a backdrop of lush green foliage. All share a bushy, well-branched habit and strong flower stems.

To encourage a second bloom in late summer or early fall, it’s advisable to deadhead spent flowers post the initial early summer bloom.

Originating from the renowned New Zealand hybrid strains, ‘Mini Stars’ is bred for longevity, vigor, and resistance to common delphinium diseases. Its petite size makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, borders, or even container gardening, allowing even those with limited space to enjoy the majesty of delphiniums.

Another advantage of its compact size is that ‘Mini Stars’ generally doesn’t require staking, which is often needed for taller delphinium varieties. With proper care, this variety can be a repeat performer, gracing gardens year after year. The vibrant and diverse colors of ‘Mini Stars’ make it a gem, ensuring that even the smallest gardens can shine brightly.

  • Grows up to 30-36 inches tall (75-90 cm) and 12-18 inches wide (30-45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade 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.
  • Removing spent flower spikes will promote another round of blooms in late summer or fall.
  • 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 (Larkspur): Plant Care and Growing Guide


Adding splendor and architectural height to borders, Delphiniums are elegant and stately perennials, biennials or annuals, which form incredibly eye-catching flower spikes in summer.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 3 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Delphinium
Common names Larkspur, Delphinium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Cutting Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Delphinium (Larkspur)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Delphinium New Zealand ‘Stars’ (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium ‘Red Lark’ (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium tricorne (Dwarf Larkspur)
Delphinium Astolat Group (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium elatum ‘Million Dollar Blue’ (Candle Larkspur)
Delphinium elatum ‘Million Dollar Sky’ (Candle Larkspur)

Recommended Companion Plants

Monarda (Bee Balm)
Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta Daisy)
Hemerocallis (Daylilies)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Stunning Blue Flowers to Enhance Your Garden’s Beauty
Delphinium – What Is Wrong With My Plant?
Delphinium – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Delphinium
July Birth Flower: What is my Birth Flower?
Delphinium (Larkspur): Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 3 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Delphinium
Common names Larkspur, Delphinium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Cutting Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Delphinium (Larkspur)
Not sure which Delphinium (Larkspur) to pick?
Compare Now

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