Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Delphinium Delgenius 'Shelby'
Shelby Larkspur
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 1-2 feet
- Width
- 1-2 feet
- Flower color
- Double lavender flowers on tall spikes
- Foliage color
- Dark green, deeply lobed leaves
- Bloom time
- Early summer through fall, with potential for reblooming
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming; cut back in late fall or early winter
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; deer resistant
About this plant
Delphinium Delgenius 'Shelby', commonly known as Shelby Larkspur, is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that produces tall spires of double lavender flowers on sturdy, well-branched stems. These blooms emerge from a frilly mound of green foliage, creating an elegant display from May to July.
Beyond its visual appeal, 'Shelby' attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding life and energy to the garden. Its sturdy stems make it suitable for mixed beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements, providing continuous color throughout the summer months.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow
Design tip
Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
