Delphinium elatum 'Black Knight'

Delphinium elatum 'Black Knight'

 

Part of the Pacific Giant series. A tall hardy perennial (Zones 3-8) featuring deep violet-purple flowers with a contrasting black "bee" center. It produces massive 4–7 ft. spikes in summer, requiring full sun, moist soil, and staking. These, often used in cut flower arrangements. Black Knight is the darkest-colored delphinium in the Pacific Giant series.

 

Delphiniums struggle in wet winter soil, so aid drainage by adding grit/sand to the planting hole if you have heavy soil. Protect emerging shoots from slugs in spring and stake as soon as they start to grow. Fertilize. After flowering, cut stems back to encourage a second flush of blooms.

 

Life Cycle:                     Perennial           

Sun Exposure:               Full sun to light shade 

Soil Moisture:                 Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil          

Height:                           4-7 ft spikes

Bloom Time:                   Early to mid-summer, with potential for re-blooming in autumn if cut back after the first                                                 bloom

Bloom Color:                   Deep violet-purple     

Pollinator Favorite:          Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies

Bird Favorite:                 

USDA Zones:                   Zones 3-8

Plant Spacing:               18” apart

Native:                             Native to Europe

Common names:             Larkspur

Toxicity:                            All parts of the plant are poisonous, particularly to pets (dogs, cats, horses) and humans                                          if ingested