This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June and July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Stately spires of semi-double, deep purple flowers, opening in June and July on tall stems. These dark-eyed delphiniums look fantastic planted in bold clumps as part of a cottage-garden scheme or towards the back of a well-drained, sunny border, where they will add height and bold splashes of colour. They also make excellent cut flowers.
  
  
• Garden care: Protect young foliage against slug and snail damage in spring. Stake with bamboo canes in mid-spring, before the flowers appear. During the growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks and wearing gloves cut back the faded flower-stems to a flowering side-shoot to encourage repeat flowering. At the end of autumn cut back and compost the faded flower stems.