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: Start the season with Paeonia 'Bartzella', whose yellow blooms open in May and June just as the white spires begin. Salvia 'Blue Hill' works well at the front, with blue spikes from June into September that pick up the delphinium's upright form at a smaller scale. Behind or beside them, Aster 'Mönch' carries lavender daisies from July to September, long after the larkspur has finished. Together they give a crisp white, blue and yellow planting for a sunny bed.

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.