Product Description
Delphinium elatum 'Purple Passion' - New Zealand Delphiniums (30)ct Flats
Common Name: Delphinium-Hybrid Bee; Series Name: - New Zealand Delphiniums Hybrids.
'Purple Passion' sports intense, deep purple blossoms with a purple and white striped bee. The densely packed flower spikes are produced on very strong stems that do not require staking. Large, deeply incised, green leaves make this plant attractive even when it's not in bloom.
A member of the New Millennium Hybrids 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.
Zone: 3 to 7.
Full Sun to part shade.
Height: 4 to 5 feet tall, spread 18 to 24 inches.
Moderate growth, herbaceous perennial clump-forming plant.
Flower Color: Purple 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
The Delphinium e. 'Purple Passion', also known as the Candle Larkspur , is a striking perennial that boasts intense purple blossoms with a unique purple and white striped center, often called a "bee". This captivating flower is a member of the New Millennium series, a group of Delphinium hybrids renowned for their robust qualities, including strong stems and a vigorous growth habit. This makes 'Purple Passion' a particularly desirable choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance and visually impactful addition to their landscapes.
Appearance 'Purple Passion' stands tall, reaching heights of 4 to 5 feet with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. Its densely packed flower spikes are adorned with deep purple florets, creating a captivating display that draws attention from afar. The flowers bloom from the bottom up, gradually revealing their full splendor. Even when not in bloom, the plant remains attractive with its large, deeply incised, dark green foliage.
Growing Conditions This Delphinium thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil. While it prefers cooler climates, 'Purple Passion' exhibits good tolerance to heat and humidity, making it suitable for a wider range of growing conditions. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8. For optimal growth, provide a sheltered location to protect the plant from strong winds.
| · Sunlight | Full sun or partial shade |
| · Soil | Fertile, medium moisture, well-drained |
| · Watering | Average |
| · Hardiness Zones | 3-8 |
Care
- Light 'Purple Passion' thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where afternoon shade can help prevent the plant from overheating.
- Watering 'Purple Passion' requires average watering needs. Water well when first planted, then keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases such as powdery mildew.
- Soil Plant in rich, well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline pH. If your soil is acidic, amend it with lime to raise the pH. To enhance soil fertility and drainage, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure. The optimal time for planting is in the spring or early summer when the soil is warm and moist. When planting, ensure the planting depth is at the crown level, which is the base of the plant where the stems meet the roots.
- Fertilizing Feed with a balanced fertilizer, using calcium and potassium nitrate. Once flower initiation begins, reduce nitrogen and increase potassium and phosphorus to support bloom development.
- Pruning To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead, or remove, spent flower spikes. This promotes the growth of new flowers and can extend the overall blooming period. After the first flush of blooms, cut back the plant to its base to encourage new growth and prevent disease.
- Pest and Disease Control Potential pests for Delphiniums include aphids, borers, leaf miners, mites, and slugs. Diseases that can affect Delphiniums include powdery mildew, botrytis, and erwinia soft rot. To minimize the risk of these issues, ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering. If problems arise, consider using appropriate insecticides or fungicides.
Other Care Requirements
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew and other diseases.
- Though 'Purple Passion' has strong stems, staking might be necessary in windy locations to prevent toppling.
- Apply mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
Uses in Landscaping and Gardening Delphinium 'Purple Passion' adds a majestic touch to various garden settings:
- Beds and Borders: Its vibrant purple spires create a stunning focal point in beds and borders.
- Cottage Gardens: This Delphinium seamlessly blends into the informal charm of cottage gardens, which are characterized by an abundance of flowering plants, a mix of colors and textures, and a relaxed, naturalistic design.
- Cutting Gardens: The long-lasting blooms make 'Purple Passion' an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Specimen Plant: Its striking appearance allows it to shine as a standalone specimen, adding vertical interest and a bold statement to the landscape.
- Mass Planting: Planting 'Purple Passion' in groups creates a dramatic display of color and texture, transforming a garden bed into a sea of vibrant purple.
Additional Information
- Toxicity: All parts of the Delphinium plant are toxic if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets.
- Wildlife: 'Purple Passion' is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, adding to its appeal in a wildlife-friendly garden. Deer and rabbits, however, tend to avoid it.
- Handling: When handling Delphiniums, it is advisable to wear gloves as contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Delphinium e. 'Purple Passion' is a magnificent addition to any garden. Its unique deep purple flowers with contrasting white centers, combined with its strong stems and adaptability, make it a standout choice. This cultivar, belonging to the New Millennium series, offers both beauty and resilience. Whether gracing a cottage garden, adding height to a border, or providing a striking focal point, 'Purple Passion' is sure to captivate with its vibrant presence. With proper care, this remarkable perennial will be a source of enjoyment 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!
