Delphinium elatum aka Alpine Delphinium

Delphinium elatum, also known as alpine delphinium or candle larkspur, is an herbaceous perennial plant of the buttercup family. It is native to temperate Asia and Europe, from southern and central Europe to Siberia. The plant grows up to 1.8 meters tall and has deeply divided, palmately lobed green leaves. In late spring to early summer, it produces showy blue or purple flowers on erect spicate stems. Each flower spike is densely packed with 25-100 florets, each with 5 blunt, blue outer sepals and two pairs of smaller true petals, with the lower two petals being yellow-bearded. There are also several cultivars of Delphinium elatum that produce a range of colors including blue, purple, pink, cream, and white. These cultivars are grown as ornamental plants and have been cultivated since 1578. As a houseplant, Candle Larkspur is relatively rare but not difficult to grow. It thrives in long-lasting, direct light and needs regular watering. The plant prefers soil that is well-draining and does not typically require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Despite its name, Candle Larkspur is not related to true larkspur but belongs to the Delphinium genus.