Delphinium vestitum

This very pretty and rare plant which is also known as the clothed Delphinium which acknowledges that every part of this unusual plant is hairy, even the flowers have tiny hairs on them - vestitum means clothed. This lovely, very different, and hardy Delphinium has black hearted baggy violet-blue flowers stacked up the stems.

The foliage of Delphinium vestitum is also lovely - each hairy leaf is rounded like a scallop.
Both long flowering and weather proof Delphinium vestitum really knows how to put on a show, with a long flowering period over summer. Strong, stout flower stems means there is also no need for staking. Also an excellent cut flower so perfect for the cutting patch.

Plant in a sunny or partially shaded position depending on how hot you are as some respite from the afternoon sun is appreciated in hot areas.
Though Delphinium vestitum is used to surviving rugged conditions, hence the whole plant is very hairy, to protect it from the extremes of heat and cold on the rocky slopes where it grows wild it actually enjoys a fertile and well-drained position.
Delphinium vestitum is quite used to growing amongst rocky or gravel soils, but it does like to be fed. Delphiniums are heavy feeders so they love a good fertilise in early in the season and again a bit later on.

Gloves should be worn when working with Delphiniums. So avoid getting the sap on your hands. Cut back to ground level once the clump has finished flowering, and use one of our plant markers which you can find here which are great for ensuring that you do not put your spade through your winter dormant plants!
Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.

Hardy down to very low temperatures

Plants form a handsome clump to around 45cm in diameter and the flowers are about 40cm above the foliage.

Perennial | Winter dormant | Hardy

Plant size PB2 | Equivalent 1.2 litre