Delphinium 'Dark Blue/Dark Bee'

Delphinium 'Dark Blue/Dark Bee': A Regal Spire of Sapphire Drama

Striking and stately, Delphinium 'Dark Blue/Dark Bee' commands attention with its towering spikes of deep indigo-blue flowers, each centered by a velvety blackish-purple “bee.” This dramatic cultivar adds bold vertical interest and saturated colour to the early summer garden, rising above the border like a column of royal blue flame. Blooming in early to midsummer, it brings both structure and richness to traditional and contemporary designs alike, drawing in pollinators and admiring glances with equal ease.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 150–180 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming upright clumps with tall flower spikes
• Flower Colour: Intense dark blue with dark purple to black central bees
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer; potential for rebloom in late summer with deadheading
• Foliage: Deeply lobed, dark green foliage forming a neat, bushy base
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; avoid drought and waterlogging

Uses and Benefits: Delphinium 'Dark Blue/Dark Bee' is a show-stopping focal point in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and cutting beds. Its bold blue spikes pair beautifully with soft pastels or bright contrasts, offering a regal counterpoint to more delicate blooms. Beloved by bees and butterflies, it adds ecological value alongside its dramatic flair. With proper care and support, it provides weeks of colour and architectural form, making it a cornerstone plant in any well-designed perennial garden.

Companion Plants: Pair Delphinium 'Dark Blue/Dark Bee' with Veronica 'White Wands' for an elegant, high-contrast planting that enhances the blue tones with bright spires of crisp white. Add Panicum 'Heavy Metal', whose upright, steely blue-green blades echo the delphinium’s cool palette while offering movement and seasonal transition. At ground level, Geranium 'Max Frei' provides a dense, magenta-pink mat that complements the blue blooms and softens the base with a long season of vibrant colour.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Shelter from strong winds and stake flower spikes early to support their height. Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage a potential second flush in late summer. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots, and cut back to the base in fall. Divide clumps every 3–4 years to rejuvenate plants and maintain vigor.

History: A selection from the Delphinium elatum group, 'Dark Blue/Dark Bee' is part of a lineage that has graced European gardens for centuries. Bred for its intense colouring and commanding presence, this cultivar reflects the ornamental refinement and enduring popularity of delphiniums in both formal and informal settings. The term "bee" refers to the central petals of each floret, which in this case are dramatically dark, enhancing the plant’s depth and visual richness.

Final Thoughts: With its towering stature and richly pigmented blooms, Delphinium 'Dark Blue/Dark Bee' brings regal drama and pollinator appeal to early summer borders. Combined with the crisp elegance of Veronica 'White Wands', the vertical poise of Panicum 'Heavy Metal', and the colourful sprawl of Geranium 'Max Frei', it becomes the centerpiece of a layered, vibrant planting. A must-have for gardeners who love bold colour and classic garden form.