Candle Delphinium 'Guardian Blue'

The semi double florets have amazing deep blue and purple shades blended to perfection, and a flashy white bee at their heart.

Leading lights in summer borders, Delphiniums provide towers of sensational colour for up to six weeks, and then can repeat into autumn. The Guardian Series is notable for its early bloom and stout, uniform, mid sized stems that rarely need staking. This F1 hybrid doesn’t have the cold requirement of most Delphiniums.

The ostentatious flowers open over a tidy mound of soft, divided foliage. The floral stems are fantastic for cutting and will last well.

Grow Guardian Series Delphiniums in humus rich, moist, well drained soil. As Delphiniums grow quickly it is a good idea to add fertiliser, this will help them flower to their best potential.

Plant Delphiniums in morning rather than afternoon sun for longer lasting flowers. For best impact, Delphiniums are best planted in groups of three or more. As the first round wanes, cut spent flowers off at the base and add a little fertiliser to encourage a second bloom in autumn.

It is a good idea to protect your Delphiniums from slugs and snails who find them delicious. Try a dish of beer to tempt them away (snails also enjoy a tipple) or the conventional snail bait.