Delphinium grandiflorum 'Summer Cloud'

Summer Series

Delphinium 'Summer Cloud' Dwarf Delphinium

Common Name: Dwarf Delphinium

Rounding out our collection of dwarf delphiniums comes this floriferous new bicolor blue and white selection. Like ‘Summer Nights’, the flowers are vibrant deep blue but have a bright white center. It is the first-ever bicolor D. grandiflorum, a species that is more heat tolerant and has an earlier bloom time than other delphiniums.

Unlike the tall, spiky varieties, this little beauty forms a compact mound of well-branched foliage. ‘Summer Cloud’ is slightly more compact than others in the series. The bicolor blue and white flowers cover the lacy foliage from early through late summer.

Use this plant for edging, in containers, or as a bedding plant.

Height:

10.0-12.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7

Flower Color:

Blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer Long Blooming

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Edging Mass Planting Small

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Delphiniums thrive in the cooler climates of the north country, though they will grow as far south as zone 7. 'Summer Cloud', however, has demonstrated better heat tolerance than some other cultivars. They grow best in rich, well-drained soil with a basic pH. If your soil is naturally acidic, adding lime will help to provide these conditions. They are also heavy feeders. The addition of compost or manure to the soil as well the use of granular fertilizer will result in healthier, stronger plants. Delphiniums can be grown in full sun or partial shade, though full sun may help to prevent powdery mildew. When planting, be sure to set the crown at or above soil level to avoid rot. These perennials tend to be short-lived and often start to lose their vigor after 2-3 years. Expect to replant them every few years or propagate new plants from basal cuttings of the original specimens. 'Summer Cloud' may self-seed, particularly in cool-summer regions.

Characteristics