Delphinium 'Elmfreude'

RHS Plant Profile
delphinium 'Elmfreude'
Herbaceous Perennial

A deciduous, herbaceous perennial that reaches to approximately 1.60m in height when in flower. It forms a mound of dark green, deeply lobed leaves and strong, dense stems of deep purple flowers with striking white centres, in early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Delphinium can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with palmately lobed basal leaves and showy bowl-shaped flowers in spikes, racemes or panicles
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from strong winds and provide support (see staking perennials). Divide every 2-5 years to maintain vigour. See staking perennials and delphinium cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Deadhead main stem after flowering to encourage side shoots to flower. Cut back to ground level in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, leaf miners and caterpillars, including swift moth caterpillar

Diseases

May be susceptible to delphinium black blotch, Powdery mildews, grey moulds, crown rot (on mature plants) and occasionally cucumber mosaic virus