Delphinium 'Sweetheart'

RHS Plant Profile
delphinium 'Sweetheart'

A deciduous, herbaceous perennial that reaches approximately 1.8m in height when in flower. It forms a mound of green, deeply lobed leaves and stately flower stems of numerous rich rose to soft pink flowers with contrasting white centres, from summer to autumn

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets:Harmfulifeaten.Wearglovesandotherprotectiveequipmentwhenhandling.Forfurtherinformationandcontactnumbersregardingpets,seetheHTAguidetopotentiallyharmfulplants
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. 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

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, delphinium black blotch, crown rot and viruses