Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Shelby Bee Delphinium is an excellent addition to the cottage or cutting garden. The pale lavender flower spikes are stronger and less prone to needing staking, even while in full bloom. While some delphiniums fade and slow growth in hot or humid weather, Shelby Bee tolerates it with ease and goes right on producing flowers until the first frost. This delphinium stays compact and requires far less pinching and pruning to have multiple flower branches. Delgenius™ Delphiniums are bred to branch naturally and densely.
Delphiniums are superb in the pollinator or cutting garden but shine when planted in a mixed perennial border alongside ornamental grasses, hollyhocks, and sunflowers. Deer rarely browse delphiniums, and rabbits are not a bother either. As the new growth begins in spring, protection from slugs and snails may be needed.
Shelby Bee Delphinium Care
Plant delphiniums in a full-sun location with well-drained but moist soil. Using a mulch of organic compost or arborist chips will help to cool the soil and make it more moisture retentive. Delphinium likes to have cool roots and does well in garden beds with a groundcover for protection. Fertilize with a granular, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Formulations for roses and tomatoes are perfect for heavy-blooming plants like delphiniums. Allow for one inch of water a week, either via natural rain or supplemental irrigation.
Delphiniums are very low maintenance, even though they have large, blowsy flowers. Deadhead spent flower spikes to keep the plant producing more blooms. Prune back all the spent top growth late in the winter or early spring to make way for the new season’s foliage. Repot container-grown plants in the spring to refresh the soil and encourage vigorous growth. Delphiniums growing in containers will require fertilizing once a month with a diluted liquid feed.
Shelby Bee Delphinium Spacing
Shelby Bee Delphinium is much smaller than previous varieties and can be planted in even the smallest garden bed. The mature height and spread are 18-24 inches. Space plants about 18 inches apart on center when planting en masse. Shelby Bee will require at least a 12-inch diameter pot for container growing.
Shelby Bee Delphinium Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Perennial |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 18 - 24 Inches |
| Mature Spread: 18 - 24 Inches |
| Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches |
| Habit: Mounded, Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Purple |
| Flower Description: Lavender |
| Bloom Period: Summer |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer, Disease |
| Tolerates: Heat |
| Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Container Role: Filler |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance, Continuous Blooming or Rebloomer |
| Brand: Plants That Work |
| Common Name: Shelby Bee Delphinium |
| Other Name(s): Shelby Bee Delphinium |
| Scientific Name: Delphinium Delgenius 'Shelby' |
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
| Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | March 31th |
| Zone 9 | March 31st |
| Zone 8 | April 7th |
| Zone 7 | April 14th |
| Zone 6b | April 21st |
| Zone 6a | April 28th |
| Zone 5b | May 5th |
| Zone 5a | May 12th |
| Zone 4 | May 19th |
| Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!