Zone: 3 to 8

Soil: sand to loam

Light: Full sun to part sun

Bloom colour: Blue

Bloom period: August

Height: 3 to 5 feet

Moisture: Medium

Attracts: Hummingbirds

Notes: No species is native to Ontario, but Delphinium exaltatum, which is sometimes available in nurseries, is native to parts of New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Delphiniums in all their splendour are popular in gardens. Mostly gardeners plant Pacific hybrids of Delphinium elatum, which produce extraordinary flowerheads. The hybrids are short lived perennials.

Delphinium exaltatum grows well in sandy soils, but they cannot tolerate extended drought, so be prepared to water every few days if it is not raining. They are best suited to back of a border behind plants that flower in mid-summer, such as ox-eye daisy or Echinacea. It does attract some bees, but I would highlight the ability of both Tall Larkspur and Pacific hybrids to attract hummingbirds.