Delphinium New Millennium™ 'Double Innocence'

Delphinium New Millennium™ 'Double Innocence': Frilly White Spires Glowing at Dusk

'Double Innocence' looks so pure and wholesome you'd never suspect it of anything. Fully double white florets with a hint of green at the tips, stacked up tall spikes. WE'RE NOT SAYING IT'S GUILTY. WE'RE NOT SAYING IT ISN'T.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Delphinium elatum hybrid
• Common Name: Larkspur, Delphinium
• Series: New Millennium™, bred by Dowdeswell's Delphiniums of New Zealand
• Height: 100–130 cm (3.3–4.3 ft)
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Fully double, pure white florets on dense spikes. Buds are creamy, and some petals carry a hint of green at the tips.
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July), with a possible rebloom in late summer if cut back
• Foliage: Deep green, deeply cut leaves forming a bushy base
• Features: Excellent for cutting

Where to Plant: Plant it toward the back or middle of a sunny border, in a white or moon garden, or in a cutting bed. White spires show up beautifully in evening light, so place it where you'll see it as the sun goes down.

Companion Plants: Plant white 'Double Innocence' in a sunny bed with moist, rich soil and soft colour on each side of its season. Helleborus HGC® Frosty opens creamy white flowers at 20 to 30 cm from March to May. Heuchera FYRE WING™ 'Rhodonite' adds colourful foliage at 20 cm. Hibiscus 'Watermelon Ruffles' brings big magenta-pink blooms at 120 to 140 cm from July to September. Molinia 'Moorflamme' adds a fine clump at about 60 cm that turns orange-red in fall.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in rich, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Delphiniums are heavy feeders, so work in compost and give a balanced fertilizer in spring. Water deeply during dry spells. Choose a spot out of strong wind, and add a support ring or stakes in spring before the spikes get tall. Double flowers are heavier and can snap in a storm. After flowering, cut the spent spikes back to the base. New shoots often produce a second, smaller show in late summer. Cut the plant to the ground after a hard frost. Good air flow helps prevent powdery mildew. Divide crowded clumps in spring every few years to keep them vigorous.

History: The New Millennium™ delphiniums were bred in New Zealand by Terry Dowdeswell for heat tolerance and mildew resistance, first released as New Zealand Hybrids and later renamed New Millennium when they went worldwide. 'Double Innocence' is one of the best-known varieties in the series.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant, loved by hummingbirds and gorgeous in a vase. Plant it and act surprised when everyone compliments you. INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GORGEOUS.