Delphinium 'Cherry Blossom'

Delphinium 'Cherry Blossom': A Tower of Blush in the Early Summer Garden

Ethereal and elegant, Delphinium 'Cherry Blossom' rises like a soft pink cloud above the border, offering spires of semi-double blush blooms with delicate white bees (central florets) that shimmer in the early summer light. This romantic cultivar stands tall and graceful, bringing vertical drama and cottage charm to mixed plantings and formal garden designs alike. Blooming in early to midsummer, 'Cherry Blossom' is a cherished choice for gardeners seeking soft colour, structure, and a hint of nostalgia in sunlit beds.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–150 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming upright clumps with flower spikes rising above basal foliage
• Flower Colour: Pale blush pink with white bees; semi-double florets
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer; may rebloom in late summer with deadheading
• Foliage: Deep green, deeply cut leaves forming a bushy base
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil; dislikes drought or overly wet roots

Uses and Benefits: Delphinium 'Cherry Blossom' brings vertical elegance and soft pastel beauty to perennial borders, cutting gardens, and classic cottage-style plantings. Its tall flower spikes serve as a striking backdrop to lower-growing perennials and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Long valued for its performance in cool, temperate climates, it also makes an exquisite cut flower, adding grace and height to floral arrangements. Ideal for mixed borders, it creates a sense of structure while contributing an airy, romantic tone.

Companion Plants: Pair Delphinium 'Cherry Blossom' with Veronica 'Magic Show White Wands', whose crisp, upright spikes echo the vertical form while providing a clean, cool contrast to the blush tones. Add Panicum 'Dallas Blue' behind for soft, blue-toned movement and support, framing the blooms while offering a calm, grassy rhythm. At the front of the border, incorporate Geranium 'Rozanne', whose violet-blue blooms spill beautifully around the base and provide a long-lasting, colour-rich carpet beneath the spires.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with shelter from strong winds, and provide rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Stake flower spikes early in the season to prevent flopping. Water consistently, especially during dry periods, and mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. Deadhead after flowering to encourage a second flush in late summer. Cut back spent stems to the base in fall. Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.

History: A cultivated selection of Delphinium elatum, native to Europe and parts of Asia, 'Cherry Blossom' belongs to a long lineage of garden delphiniums celebrated for their grandeur and refined beauty. Named for the delicate blush of its petals reminiscent of spring cherry blossoms, it embodies the grace and drama that have made delphiniums icons of traditional herbaceous borders.

Final Thoughts: With its soft pink tones and stately presence, Delphinium 'Cherry Blossom' brings a sense of light and elegance to the early summer garden. When paired with the pure spires of Veronica 'Magic Show White Wands', the cool structure of Panicum 'Dallas Blue', and the vivid sprawl of Geranium 'Rozanne', it becomes part of a layered, pollinator-friendly display that is both refined and vibrant. A must-have for gardeners drawn to timeless blooms and architectural grace.