Shelby Bee Delphinium

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.