Delphiniums: Majestic Spires for the Perennial Border

Elegant spires of blue, lavender, mauve, pink, purple, red, or white—soaring up to 8 feet tall—rise above lobed or fan-like leaves. All delphiniums are perennial, though most are relatively short-lived. Provide them with full sun and regular water for the best performance.

Varieties of candle delphinium (D. elatum; zones A1-A3, 1-10, 14-24) are the most dramatic of the genus. For the tallest blooms, try mixed colors of the Pacific strain or named varieties such as 'Blue Bird', 'Galahad', and 'Summer Skies'.

Large-flowered Centurion grows 4 to 5 feet tall and will bloom the first year from seed when planted in spring. It's also more reliably perennial. Blue Springs and Magic Fountains mixes are shorter (to 2½ feet tall), ideal for smaller gardens.

Varieties of D. × belladonna (zones 1-9, 14-24) are shorter (3 to 4 feet tall) and have airier flowers. The plants are also longer-lived than the tall varieties of D. elatum.