Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Delphinium elatum 'Aurora Blue'
Aurora Blue Larkspur
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 3-4 feet
- Width
- 1.5-3 feet
- Flower color
- Vivid blue, semi-double flowers with white centers ("bees")
- Foliage color
- Dark green, deeply lobed leaves
- Bloom time
- Early summer, with potential for repeat bloom in autumn if spent stems are trimmed back
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Maintenance
- Moderate; trim back spent stems to the base to encourage repeat bloom later in the autumn
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 7
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant
About this plant
Delphinium elatum 'Aurora Blue' is a deciduous perennial known for its tall, sturdy spikes adorned with semi-double, vivid blue flowers, each featuring a distinctive white center, known as a "bee." These blooms emerge in early to mid-summer, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, thereby enhancing the garden's liveliness.
Originating from breeding efforts to produce vigorous and uniform Delphinium cultivars, 'Aurora Blue' showcases robust stems that support tightly packed florets, making it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. Its upright habit and rich floral display make it a standout addition to garden beds and borders during the summer months.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
