Product Description
Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' (30)ct Flat
New Zealand Delphiniums
Common Name: Hybrid Bee Delphinium
This new selection produces strong, tall spires tightly packed with cobalt blue florets with brightly contrasting white central bees. They draw your attention from quite a distance and add terrific architectural presence to the garden in early summer and fall. Uniform color and form ensure a stunning display whether planted singly or en masse.
The English hybrid type of delphiniums are bred by New Zealand Delphiniums and are hand crossed to produce the highest quality seed. These F1 hybrids have excellent form, strong stems, and a vigorous growth habit. They were selected for their improved tolerance of heat and humidity, while retaining their cold hardiness.
Delphinium are a classic garden perennial. These plants are excellent for adding height to small spaces. Their tall flower spikes are easily recognizable when they come into flower in summer. When in flower, the spikes of these plants become heavy and should be staked to avoid toppling over in rough weather, especially taller varieties. Newer hybrids are longer lived than some of the more traditional cultivars.
Delphiniums thrive in the cooler climates of the north country, though they will grow as far south as zone 7. The New Millenium hybrids, however, tend to be more tolerant of heat and humidity. 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. Since their stems are hollow, taller varieties of Delphiniums should be staked to prevent damage from wind and rain. These new hybrids tend to be longer lived than their short-lived cousins but may be propagated from basal cuttings.
Height: 4.0-6.0 Feet
Spread: 1.5-2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7
Flower Color: Blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer to Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' is a tall herbaceous perennial that produces striking cobalt-blue flowers with white centers. This hybrid variety, bred in New Zealand , belongs to the New Millennium Series, known for its strong stems, vigorous growth habit, and tolerance to heat and humidity. This makes it a popular choice for gardeners in a variety of climates. Moreover, 'Cobalt Dreams' is a sterile cultivar, so it will not self-seed and become invasive.
Characteristics Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' typically grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Its semi-double flowers are densely packed along tall spikes, creating a magnificent display of color from early summer to early fall. This long blooming season, combined with its impressive stature, makes it an eye-catching addition to any garden. The flowers are a vibrant cobalt blue with contrasting white bees (centers) , adding a touch of elegance to the landscape. The foliage is dark green and deeply cut, providing an attractive contrast to the vibrant blooms. As part of the New Millennium series, 'Cobalt Dreams' boasts an extended blooming season and improved heat and humidity tolerance compared to other Delphiniums.
Growing Conditions Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly basic pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. For optimal growth, provide a sheltered location to protect the tall flower spikes from strong winds. While it prefers moist soil, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to crown rot. This Delphinium is hardy in zones 3-7.
Landscaping Uses This versatile plant is a welcome addition to beds, borders, and cottage gardens. Its height makes it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to the landscape, and its vibrant blue flowers create a stunning focal point. For the best visual impact, plant Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' in groups. It is also an excellent choice for container planting. Attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, 'Cobalt Dreams' is a pollinator-friendly addition to the garden.
Care and Maintenance To ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms, Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' requires regular care and maintenance. Here are some key tips:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: Feed yearly with an organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Staking: While 'Cobalt Dreams' has strong stems, staking may be necessary in exposed sites or excessively rich soils to prevent toppling.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage a second round of blooms in late summer and fall.
- Pruning: Cut back to ground level after a hard freeze in late fall to prepare for winter.
- Dividing: Divide every few years to maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Companion Plants Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' pairs beautifully with a variety of other perennials. Some excellent companions include:
- Echinacea (Coneflower): The vibrant colors and contrasting forms of Echinacea complement the blue spires of 'Cobalt Dreams'.
- Campanula persicifolia (Peach-Leaved Bellflower): The delicate bell-shaped flowers of Campanula provide a lovely contrast in texture and color.
- Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow): The feathery foliage and flat flower clusters of Yarrow create a soft and airy backdrop for the bold Delphinium.
- Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed): This native plant attracts butterflies and provides a valuable food source for Monarch caterpillars.
Propagation Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' can be propagated through division or basal cuttings. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots, and replanting them. Basal cuttings involve taking cuttings from the base of the plant and rooting them in a suitable medium.
Potential Problems While Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to certain problems, including:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can occur in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the foliage. Use slug pellets or other control methods to protect your plants.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease can occur in poorly drained soil. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Toxicity All parts of the Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' plant are toxic if ingested. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Delphinium 'Cobalt Dreams' is a beautiful and rewarding plant for any garden. With its stunning blue flowers, tall stature, and relative ease of care, it is sure to become a favorite among gardening enthusiasts. Its improved heat and humidity tolerance, strong stems, and long blooming season make it a standout choice among Delphiniums. Suitable for various gardening styles, 'Cobalt Dreams' also makes an excellent cut flower. Why not add this vibrant and elegant perennial to your garden and enjoy its beauty for years to come?
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
