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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Delphinium elatum 'Aurora Blue'

Aurora Blue Larkspur

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Average

Bloom time

Early summer, with potential for repeat bloom in autumn if spent stems are trimmed back

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)