Delphinium elatum aka Alpine Delphinium

Delphinium elatum is a tall perennial in the buttercup family. Its native range spans Europe and northern and central Asia. It grows in woods, meadows, and along river banks. Common names include alpine delphinium and common bee larkspur. It dies back in winter and returns from its base. Plants may live for just three to five years.

Height reports differ between sources. The RHS describes plants reaching about 6 feet [1.8 metres]. Its wider height range reaches 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. Spread ranges from 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Plants form a tall, upright clump with deeply lobed leaves. The blue-green leaves have five to seven lobes. They sit in an alternate pattern along the stems. The straight, hollow stems can bend or break without support.

Blue to dark purple-blue flowers grow on upright racemes. The main spike can carry as many as 100 florets. Smaller side spikes grow from leaf joints beneath it. Sources place flowering in spring and summer. Cutting off spent spikes may bring more flowers later. Flowers draw butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. The tall stems suit flower borders and cottage gardens. They also provide flowers for cutting and indoor use. A sheltered spot near a fence can help protect stems.

Grow this plant in full sun and fertile soil. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain away. The RHS lists clay, loam, sand, and chalk as suitable. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Cool, moist summers suit it better than hot, humid weather. Afternoon shade helps in warmer southern growing areas. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. Stake stems and shelter them from wind and heavy rain. Regular feeding supports growth and flowering. Remove dead growth after it withers in autumn. Take basal softwood cuttings in early spring to raise plants.

This plant needs close care to keep it healthy. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, blight, and crown rot can occur. Black blotch and viruses are further risks. Slugs, snails, aphids, and leaf miners may attack it. Mites, stem borers, earwigs, and caterpillars can also cause damage. Good drainage and airflow help reduce disease problems. All parts are toxic, with young plants posing greater risk. Eating it can harm both people and pets. Skin contact may cause dermatitis, so wear gloves when handling. No edible uses are known. PFAF records medicinal uses and seed use as an insecticide.