Delphinium 'Pagan Purples'

Delphinium 'Pagan Purples': A Mystical Column of Deep-Violet Majesty

Dark and dramatic, Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' rises in stately splendor, bearing spires of richly hued flowers that shift between moody violet, royal purple, and near-black tones. This vigorous, tall-growing cultivar brings an aura of enchantment to the summer border, offering bold vertical structure and magnetic colour. Blooming in early to midsummer, it draws in pollinators and admirers alike, standing as a powerful focal point among softer companions. With its commanding presence and saturated hues, 'Pagan Purples' is both deeply romantic and unmistakably bold.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 180–200 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming upright, clumping foliage with towering flower spikes
• Flower Colour: Deep purple to violet-black; semi-double to double blooms
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer; may rebloom with prompt deadheading
• Foliage: Deep green, deeply cut leaves forming a tidy, rounded base
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; avoid drought and waterlogged roots

Uses and Benefits: Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' is a showpiece in the summer garden, perfect for adding vertical drama and colour saturation to mixed borders, cutting gardens, or cottage-style plantings. Its tall spires provide structure and rhythm, while its dark, velvety flowers bring contrast and intensity to pastel or silver-foliaged companions. Ideal for back-of-border placements or as a summer centerpiece, it also makes an excellent cut flower and supports a wide variety of pollinators.

Companion Plants: Pair Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' with Salvia 'Bumblesky', whose soft powder-blue blooms contrast delicately with the dark richness of the delphinium while sharing similar bloom time and pollinator value. Add Panicum 'Dallas Blue' behind to mirror and enhance the cool, moody tones with upright, steely blue-green blades. At the base, plant Geranium 'Johnson’s Blue'—its cheerful, lavender-blue blooms form a soft, ground-hugging layer that lightens and lifts the planting while echoing the delphinium’s cooler hues.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture. Stake flower spikes early to protect from wind and heavy rain. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture and moderate root temperature. After flowering, cut back spent stems to encourage a second flush. Prune to the ground in late fall. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to keep plants vigorous and upright.

History: Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' is a member of the New Millennium™ Series, developed in New Zealand for improved vigor, weather tolerance, and garden performance. Selected for its hauntingly rich colour and robust form, it represents a new generation of delphiniums that marry dramatic beauty with reliable strength. The name evokes mystery, depth, and old-world elegance—qualities it brings effortlessly to the garden.

Final Thoughts: With its commanding height and spellbinding colour, Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' is a centerpiece plant for those who love depth and drama. When combined with the soft blue charm of Salvia 'Bumblesky', the upright texture of Panicum 'Dallas Blue', and the romantic sprawl of Geranium 'Johnson’s Blue', it becomes the heart of a garden scene rich in mood, movement, and pollinator appeal. A majestic choice for gardeners who want bold colour in a truly classic form.