A great deal of enthusiasm goes into growing the finest, tallest and prettiest delphiniums. These plants are originally from rocky terrain around the world and they have come a long way under our horticultural influence. They have some built-in resistance to disease but they need to be checked for caterpillars, slugs and snails.

The tall cultivars always need to be staked to prevent wind damage. Delphiniums die back for the winter, and all above ground material needs to be cut down to the ground and composted as soon as the cool winter weather kills the leaves and stems. Regular feeding and dead-heading will extend the flowering.

Looking Good:
Shock yourself with the colourful display in the Delphinium border at Castle Howard, York, during August.

Best With:
Delphiniums are so stridently coloured that they rarely need any accompaniment, but foxgloves (Digitalis) do match their elegance.

For more ideas on using delphiniums, see Cottage Garden and Traditional Garden, or log on to the Delphinium Society's website.