How to Grow Blue Butterfly Delphiniums
Blue butterfly delphiniums are the smallest variety of delphiniums, standing at 14 inches high. The plant produces small, delicate flowers in a dark blue color. The plant is a common border plant in landscaping. Blue butterfly delphiniums thrive in cold hardiness zones 4 through 8, though it will need mulching in the colder zones to protect the roots. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a planting site that gets full sun, which is at least six hours. Make the site selection in the early spring so you plant the delphiniums in time for them to bloom in summer.
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Dig a hole in the planting site that is the same depth and twice the width of the plant pot. Remove the blue butterfly delphinium from its pot and loosen the potting soil with your fingers. Lower the plant into the hole and firm the soil around the base of the plant. Space the plants 14 inches apart.
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Water the delphinium until the soil settles. Continue watering the plant whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
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Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to the soil around the delphiniums, according to the package directions. Apply the fertilizer upon planting in the early spring, and once more in mid-summer.
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Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants if you live in cold hardiness zones 4 or 5. The mulch will keep the soil warm during the colder early spring.
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Use sharp gardening shears to remove the flower stalks as they begin to fade later in the season. Allow one-fourth of the flower stalks to go to seed so the plant can preserve some energy for next season.
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Tips & Warnings
Delphiniums are poisonous.
