Dark spurs are very rich in species and varieties. Around 300 different species are known worldwide, of which only the very numerous varieties of Belladonna and Elatum hybrids can be found in our gardens. The Pacific hybrids listed separately here actually also belong to the Elatum delphiniums.
Which varieties of delphinium are common?
There are various varieties of delphiniums that can be divided into three main groups: Delphinium Belladonna, Delphinium Elatum and Delphinium Pacific respectively. Magic Fountain. Each group has different colors, heights and propagation methods, such as seeds, cuttings or division.
Dark spurs of the species Delphinium Belladonna
The varieties in this group form upright and branched perennials that appear quite loose in structure and have very fine foliage. The shoots bear unfilled flowers. The Belladonna varieties are usually propagated by division or cuttings, some also by sowing.
Overview of the most beautiful Belladonna varieties
| Name | Flower color | Growth height | Propagation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantis | dark blue to dark purple | 100 to 140 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Balldress | light blue with white “eye” | up to 120 cm | Seeds |
| Blue Shadow | bright blue | up to 130 cm | Seeds |
| Casa Blanca | white | 130 to 150 cm | Seeds |
| Cliveden Beauty | medium blue with white “eye” | up to 130 cm | Seeds |
| Delft Blue | white with blue stripes | up to 150 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Moerheimii | white | up to 120 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Oriental Blue | strong blue | up to 130 cm | Seeds |
| Oriental Sky | light blue | up to 120 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Piccolo | bright blue | between 70 and 100 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Peace of Nations | bright blue | up to 170 cm | Cuttings or division |
Varieties of the species Delphinium Elatum
The comparatively large flowers and the very numerous sepals are typical of the delphiniums of the Elatum varieties. The inflorescences can be narrow and columnar, but can also be conical and pointed towards the top. Each flowering shoot bears side shoots that bloom after the main stem has withered.
Overview of the most beautiful Elatum varieties
| Variety | Flower color | Growth height | Propagation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye candy | light blue, slightly tinged with pink | between 120 and 170 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Blue Nile | medium blue | up to 170 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Can-Can | violet and blue, double flowers | up to 190 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Diamond | white | between 100 and 160 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Faust | intense blue with black “eye” | up to 240 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Finsteraarhorn | blue violet | up to 170 cm | Cuttings or division |
| early ticket | light blue, slightly tinged with pink | up to 140 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Overture | medium blue with brown “eye” | up to 160 cm | Cuttings or division |
| Waldenburg | deep dark blue with black “eye” | up to 150 cm | Cuttings or division |
| White Swan | white | up to 75 cm | Seeds |
Varieties of the species Delphinium Pacific or Magic Fountain
The Pacific hybrids, a group of varieties that were selected by Californian breeders between 1935 and 1970, are adapted to the special climatic conditions of the North American Pacific coast and therefore tolerate hot summers and high humidity very well. The Delphinium Magic Fountain hybrids are basically dwarf Pacific hybrids in which the flower shoots only grow to a height of 30 to 50 centimeters. Both species are propagated almost exclusively by sowing.
Tips & Tricks
With some old varieties, vegetative propagation is now difficult because the cuttings weaken. If this is also the case for you, you should prefer propagation via seeds instead.