How to Grow Taplow Blue
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Taplow Blue
Delphinium elatum 'Taplow Blue'
flowerTaplow Blue is a stunning cultivar of tall bearded delphinium featuring striking deep blue flowers with darker purple-blue bee marks on tall, stately spikes. This herbaceous perennial produces dramatic vertical interest in gardens and is prized by gardeners and florists for its vibrant color and elegant form. It can reach 4-6 feet tall and blooms in early to mid-summer.
When should you plant Taplow Blue in your zone?
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Example Taplow Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Taplow Blue
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Taplow Blue blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Taplow Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7; prefers cooler climates and struggles in hot, humid regions
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Get my Taplow Blue timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; delicate and slow-growing initially
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off. Do not cover seeds; they need light exposure.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksDeveloping basal rosette of deeply lobed, palmate foliage; plant establishes strong root system
Water regularly and fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Stake young plants in windy locations. Remove any flower spikes that emerge in year one to strengthen roots.
Seed Production
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and transition to developing seed pods; foliage begins to decline if not deadheaded
Leave some flower spikes to mature if seeds are desired for propagation. Collect seed pods when they turn brown and papery. Allow foliage to die back naturally in fall.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; use reflective mulches to deter
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Hand-pick early morning or evening; use copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; remove leaf litter
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur or fungicide spray in early stages; remove affected leaves
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water forcefully; use miticide if severe; discard heavily infested plants
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove and destroy severely affected plants; apply fungicide to soil
Uses
Traditional flower arrangements
CulinaryTaplow Blue delphinium spikes are highly prized by professional florists and garden arrangers for their striking vertical form and vivid blue color. They add dramatic height and elegance to cut flower arrangements and bridal bouquets. [source]
Garden focal point and landscape design
HouseholdThe tall, commanding spikes create strong vertical accent in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and formal garden designs. They provide architectural interest and are essential for classic English garden aesthetics. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeDelphinium flowers are highly attractive to bumblebees, honeybees, and hoverflies. The distinctive 'bee' marks on the petals guide pollinators to the nectar and pollen, making this an excellent plant for supporting pollinator populations. [source]
Dried flowers and pressed flowers
CraftDelphinium spikes dry beautifully and maintain their color well, making them ideal for dried arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and floral preservation projects. They can be hung dried in bundles. [source]
Traditional herbal preparations
MedicinalHistorically, delphinium species have been used in traditional medicine, though the plant is toxic and not recommended for internal use. Historical uses include external applications in salves and dyes. [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 flowers for arrangements when the bottom third of the spike has opened; cut in early morning. Leave 12 inches of stem on the plant for regrowth. For seeds, allow flower spikes to dry on the plant; collect seed pods when brown and papery (late summer), dry further indoors, then extract and store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Taplow Blue is named after Taplow Court in Buckinghamshire, England, a renowned garden estate where the variety was developed and perfected by British horticulturists.
- 🌱 The dark 'bee marks' (called nectar guides) on the petals are naturally occurring patterns that visually guide pollinators directly to the flower's nectaries, ensuring efficient pollination.
- 🌱 Delphinium is derived from the Greek word 'delphis' meaning dolphin, because the flower buds are thought to resemble the nose of a dolphin leaping from the sea.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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