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James H. Schutte
Ranunculaceae
Delphinium 'Blue Elf' ('('blauer Zwerg')')
Blue Elf Delphinium, Delphinium, Larkspur
‘Blue Elf’ is a low-growing delphinium which produces loose sprays of brilliant cobalt blue flowers from late spring to early summer. The single, spurred blossoms are borne atop feathery mounds of rich green, fine-textured foliage, and are attractive to bees and butterflies. If kept properly deadheaded, the flowers may continue to appear throughout much of the summer.
Grow this diminutive delphinium in full sun and moist, fertile, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Thriving in areas with cool to moderate summer weather, it may falter if exposed to very hot temperatures. Its faded flower stems should be cut to the ground periodically to encourage reblooming. Monitor closely for slugs and snails in spring, as these can damage new growth. Often short-lived, this perennial may be treated as an annual or biennial, particularly in areas with long, hot summers. Where happy, it may also self-sow, ensuring a continuous supply of plants.
The vivid flowers, short stature and long blooming habit of ‘Blue Elf’ make it perfect for containers or the front of mixed beds and borders. Its airy blooms also make excellent cut flowers.
8 - 1
3 - 8
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
Hybrid Origin
Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
Dark Blue
Green
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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