Delphinium Guardian Blue (Candle Larkspur)

Prized by florists, Delphinium ‘Guardian Blue’ is a mid-sized herbaceous perennial with sturdy flower spikes, densely packed with double, rich dark blue florets adorned with white bees. Blooming for weeks from early to mid-summer, it adds height and majesty to the garden and draws attention from quite a distance. Rising from a mound of divided, rich green foliage, this Delphinium has a neat compact habit.

Prized by florists, Delphinium 'Guardian Blue' is a mid-sized herbaceous perennial with sturdy flower spikes, densely packed with double, rich dark blue florets adorned with white bees. Blooming for weeks from early to mid-summer, it adds height and majesty to the garden and draws attention from quite a distance. Rising from a mound of divided, rich green foliage, this Delphinium has a neat compact habit. This vigorous hybrid belongs to the Guardian Series, which were bred for their uniform flowers and early blooming habit. Exceptional cut flower.

  • Grows up to 30-39 in. tall (75-98 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 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 Delphinium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 2'
– 4'
(60cm
– 120cm)
Spread 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 10″
– 12″
(25cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance 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 Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage