Delphinium Elatum

Delphinium elatum is the towering European species behind many of the finest modern border delphiniums. Strong stems rise from deeply divided foliage and carry long spikes of blue, violet or purple flowers, each centred by a contrasting dark or pale eye known as the bee. The species name elatum means tall, and mature plants create a commanding vertical accent in early summer, often flowering again if cut back and fed. Hardy and long lived in fertile soil, it is a classic choice for the back of a cottage border and provides excellent stems for cutting.