(Summer Delphinium)

The dwarf, bushy habit and long bloom time of delphiniums in the Summer Series make these sweet garden perennials especially desirable. In summer they produce plentiful, loose spikes covered with spurred, five-petaled flowers that may be sky blue, dark blue or white, depending on the cultivar. These are short, sturdy and well branched, so unlike other delphiniums, they do not require staking. Regular deadheading will help promote flowering.

These plants perform best in full sun, evenly moist...

(Delphinium, Larkspur)

Ancestor of many of the modern delphinium hybrids, this tall herbaceous perennial is native to Europe. Spires of purple flowers arise in early summer from basal clumps of roundish, lobed leaves. Plants may rebloom in fall if cut back after flowering.

Choose sunny to partly sunny locations for candle delphinium; the soil should be fertile and well drained. It is much less prone to flopping, pests, and disease than are most of its hybrids. Use it in cottage gardens, informal borders, and wildflower...

(Dwarf Double Delphinium)

The DWARF series of delphinium, hybrids of candle delphinium, bear loose spires of double flowers in early summer. DWARF double 'Cd7' bears lush lilac- colored flowers tinged with deep blue with green centers. The flowers arise from basal clumps of lance-shaped, gray-green leaves. DWARF delphiniums are shorter than their towering cousins and rarely need to be staked. Plants may rebloom in fall if they are cut back after flowering.

Choose sunny locations for DWARF delphiniums; the soil should...

(Dward Double Delphinium)

The Dwarf Double Series of delphinium bears loose spires of double flowers of deep mauve, white, or lilac in early summer. The lush flowers are tinged with a second deeper color and arise from basal clumps of lance-shaped, gray-green leaves. Dward Double delphiniums are shorter than their towering cousins and rarely need to be staked. Plants may rebloom in fall if they are cut back after flowering.

Choose sunny locations for Dward Double Series delphiniums; the soil should be fertile and well...

(Blue Butterfly Larkspur)

Delphinium ‘Blue Butterfly’ is a low-growing perennial which produces loose sprays of vivid, deep blue flowers from late spring to early summer. It is a form of Chinese delphinium, a species native to sunny meadows of northern and eastern Asia. Its single, spurred blossoms are borne on short, well-branched stems which rise from feathery mounds of rich green, fine-textured foliage. The showy blooms are attractive to bees and butterflies, and may continue to reappear throughout much of the summer...

(Cheddar Pinks, Raspberry Surprise Cheddar Pinks)

Dianthus ‘Raspberry Surprise’ is an evergreen perennial hybrid by famed breeder John Whetman. Topped with a profusion of spicy-fragrant double blooms, it is a compact plant with tidy mounds of blue-green, grass-like foliage which is durable throughout the year. The pink flowers with burgundy centers begin in late spring and continue until the weather is very hot. The petals are strongly toothed.

Plant ‘Raspberry Surprise’ in full sun or part shade in well-drained moist soil. It will bloom in...

(Sweet William, Wee Willie Mix Sweet William)

The bicolored flowers of sweet william selection ‘Wee Willie’ add a striking note of depth to the late spring garden. Its dense clusters of single, fringed, disk-like blossoms appear from late spring through midsummer and are in tones of red, pink and white. They rise on sturdy stems rise amid clumps of flat, lance shaped, dark green foliage which bears tints of burgundy. The colorful, lightly scented blooms may be visited by bees and butterflies.

Originally native to southern Europe, sweet...

(Bleeding Heart, Old-fashioned Bleeding Heart)

Old-fashioned bleeding heart, what a classic garden perennial! This large, bushy ornamental originates from northeastern Asia. In late spring to early summer it produces horizontal, slightly curved stems lined with pendulous, heart-shaped flowers. Its blooms are most commonly vibrant rose-pink with white tips, but white selections are also available. These appear against a backdrop of coarsely toothed, sea green foliage.

Bleeding heart grows best in fertile soil with average drainage. It prefers...

(Bleeding Heart, White Bleeding Heart)

White bleeding heart, what a classic old-fashioned garden favorite. This large, bushy perennial originates from northeastern Asia. In late spring to early summer it produces horizontal, slightly curved stems lined with white, drooping, heart-shaped flowers against a backdrop of coarsely toothed, sea green foliage.

Bleeding heart grows best in fertile soil with average drainage. It prefers full to part sun, but does not appreciate high heat. In fact, as the summer temperatures rise plants often...

(Bleeding Heart, Gold Heart Bleeding Heart)

The showy leaves of 'Gold Heart' bring a new look to a classic old-fashioned garden favorite from northeastern Asia. Dangling in loose clusters from thigh-high, arching stems, the purple-pink, heart-shaped flowers are displayed against a background of coarsely toothed, bright gold-chartreuse foliage. Leaf color is less brilliant in hotter, sunnier sites. Plants go semi-dormant in summer, when they can be pruned to the ground. This plant may self-sow.

Bleeding heart grows best in fertile soil...