Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Deluxe
Delphinium
'Purple Surprise'
larkspur
The recently introduced Delphinium 'Purple Surprise' is not seen for sale very often. It is one of the amazing new Highlander™ series, meaning it is a more compact and hardier form of delphinium. It also means it has beautiful, frilly, flowers with double layers of petals. The impressive flower spires of Delphinium 'Purple Surprise' are made from numerous blooms of blue, purple and greenish white. The outer petals are rich blue and, as you move towards the centre of the flower, the colours change through lavender shades, to greenish white. The overall look has a beautiful multi-tone effect. If you examine an individual flower close-up, you will see that it resembles a miniature dahlia!
The flowers are at their best in June and July, and are held on sturdy, free-standing spikes 80-100cm high. Delphinium elatum 'Highlander Purple Surprise®' will make the perfect addition to any summer garden, and can be grown in borders or containers, in full sun or part shade. It is the ideal choice for those looking to create a cottage-style garden. This particular Delphinium also makes an excellent cut flower, either on its own with one or more stems in a vase, or in a combination of colours with other delphiniums to create a spectacular feature!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Delphinium 'Purple Surprise' (Highlander Series)
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Harmful if eaten - Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
-20%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
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£52.00
Sale price
£65.00
-20%
Allium azureum
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£3.12
Sale price
£3.90
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Allium 'Purple Sensation'
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£3.92
Sale price
£4.90
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Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
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£4.96
Sale price
£6.20
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Tulip 'Queen of Night'
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£5.52
Sale price
£6.90
-30%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
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£5.25
Sale price
£7.50
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
