How to Grow Delphinium 'Cliveden Beauty'

Delphinium 'Cliveden Beauty'

Delphinium elatum 'Cliveden Beauty'

flower

A stunning hybrid delphinium cultivar known for its tall spikes of semi-double lavender-blue flowers with contrasting dark eyes. This classic cottage garden favorite reaches 4-6 feet tall and creates dramatic vertical interest in borders. The flowers bloom in early to mid-summer and are excellent for cutting.

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Example Delphinium 'Cliveden Beauty' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Delphinium 'Cliveden Beauty'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Delphinium 'Cliveden Beauty' blooms
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Delphinium 'Cliveden Beauty' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade beneficial in zones 7-8

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Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; deep watering 1-2 times weekly; drought stress reduces flowering; excellent drainage critical to prevent root rot

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Spacing: 24-36 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from transplant to first flowers

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Planting depth: Surface sow or press lightly into soil; seeds need light to germinate; transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with good structure

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost aged manure perlite or sand for drainage bone meal

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-7; tolerates zone 8 with afternoon shade and excellent drainage

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves appear; very delicate and prone to damping off

Provide bright light, good air circulation, and keep soil moist but not soggy; avoid overhead watering; thin crowded seedlings

Vegetative

4-8 weeks

Rapid growth of sturdy stems with deeply lobed, finely dissected foliage; plant becomes bushy and establishes deep root system

Stake early with sturdy supports; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer; pinch center stem in spring on young plants to encourage branching; remove lower leaves as plant grows for air circulation

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower spikes emerge from stem tips; buds appear densely packed along elongating racemes; plant reaches full height

Provide sturdy staking and tie loosely; maintain consistent watering; apply low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowers over foliage; deadhead side shoots to direct energy to main spike

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Semi-double lavender-blue flowers with dark purple-black eyes bloom sequentially from bottom to top of spikes; flowers fully open in cool weather

Cut spent flowers daily to extend bloom; support heavy flower spikes; deadhead lower spent flowers to encourage upper flowers to open; stake securely in wind

Seed Set & Decline

Ongoing through summer

After pollination, flowers fade and seed pods develop; foliage may decline in late summer heat

Allow some flowers to set seed for self-sowing, or deadhead all flowers to trigger a second, lighter flush in fall; cut back after seed collection; provide afternoon shade and extra water in hot climates

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Catmint (Nepeta) Lavender Roses Lupines Foxgloves Salvia Coreopsis Peonies Alliums White phlox

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) Dill Plants requiring consistently dry soil

Common Pests

and
Handpick at dusk; use beer traps; apply food-grade diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles and frogs; copper barriers around plants
Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; insecticidal soap; neem oil; ensure good air circulation
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution; remove infected leaves; choose resistant cultivars
Remove and destroy infected leaves; remove plant debris; sticky traps; spinosad spray if severe
and (Pythium, Phytophthora)
Ensure excellent drainage; never overwater; avoid wetting crown; remove affected plants; solarize soil; improve air circulation
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings

Uses

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Edible Flowers for Garnish

Culinary

Delphinium flowers are occasionally used as elegant garnish for gourmet dishes and cocktails, though they should be harvested from plants grown without pesticides. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Craft

Cliveden Beauty is a classic cutting cultivar prized by florists and garden enthusiasts for wedding arrangements, tall vase displays, and cottage garden bouquets. The lavender-blue color complements nearly all color palettes. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Delphinium flowers attract bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them valuable nectar sources in early summer gardens. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Historically, delphinium root has been used in traditional medicine; however, the plant is toxic and should not be used internally without expert guidance. Not recommended for home use. [source]

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Garden Design & Vertical Emphasis

Household

The tall, architectural spikes provide essential vertical structure in cottage gardens, herbaceous borders, and mixed plantings, creating a classic romantic garden aesthetic. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flower spikes in early morning when 1/2 to 2/3 of flowers on the spike are open; hold base and pull at an angle; place immediately in cool water; re-cut stems at 45-degree angle and split bottom 2 inches; change water every 2-3 days; lasts 5-7 days in a vase. For seed collection, allow some spikes to go to seed; pods turn brown in late summer; collect when papery dry and store in cool, dry place.

Fun Facts

🌱 The dark eye (bee) at the center of Cliveden Beauty flowers is called a 'bee' or 'eye' and mimics the appearance of an actual bee, which may attract pollinators to the flower.
🌱 Delphinium seeds have been grown since ancient times and appear in medieval manuscripts; the name comes from the Greek word for dolphin, as flower buds were thought to resemble dolphins.
🌱 Cliveden Beauty is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner, indicating it is an outstanding garden plant with reliable performance and ornamental qualities over many years.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid pH Pollination True Leaves

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