Delphinium

flowers · plants · gardens

Flower tower. Delphiniums grow tall spikes covered in bright blue, purple, pink, or white flowers stacked on top of each other like a tower. These dramatic blooms make them favorite plants in gardens worldwide.

Northern spread. About 300 species of delphinium grow naturally across the Northern Hemisphere, from mountains to grasslands. They also grow high up in the mountains of tropical Africa, showing how adaptable these plants are.

Named by Linnaeus. The Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus, who created the system for naming all living things, gave delphinium its official genus name. The name comes from the Greek word for dolphin because the flower's shape reminded people of a dolphin's nose.

Two life types. Some delphiniums are annuals, meaning they live for just one year, while others are perennials that come back year after year. This gives gardeners choices for both temporary bursts of color and long-lasting plants.

Mountain lovers. Delphiniums thrive in cool mountain environments and open spaces with plenty of sunlight. Their love of cooler climates made them popular in Victorian gardens, where they were carefully bred to grow even more spectacular flowers.