Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium
Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium
Midsize Rich-Purple Spires, Sturdy and Early
Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium (Delphinium elatum 'Aurora Deep Purple') brings deep, velvety purple cottage-garden spires on a sturdy, midsize plant that blooms early and reliably. Dense flower columns rise in early to midsummer, drawing hummingbirds and bees. Deer-resistant and dependably hardy, it's a dramatic vertical accent for sunny and part-shade borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Delphinium elatum 'Aurora Deep Purple' |
| Mature Size | 24–30 in. tall, 16–20 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | Early to midsummer, often reblooming if cut back |
| Flower Color | Deep velvety purple |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained; amend clay with compost |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — foliage is unpalatable to deer |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Midsize vertical accents: Rich purple spires add dramatic height to the middle of the border with minimal staking. Space 16–20 inches apart.
Pollinator and cut-flower gardens: Hummingbirds and bees love the blooms, and the spires are striking cut. Pair with roses, white phlox, and Shasta daisies.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall into rich, moist soil. Water through establishment.
How to Plant Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 16–20 inches apart. A light support helps in windy spots.
Watering Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium
First year: Keep evenly moist — water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture and rich soil; cut spent spires to the base to encourage a second flush.
Q: Does it need staking?
Less than tall types — its midsize, sturdy spires usually stand on their own, with a light support in windy sites.
Q: Is delphinium poisonous?
Yes — all parts are toxic if eaten. Plant it away from where children or pets might nibble, and wash hands after handling.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 3 with good drainage over winter.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer rarely browse delphinium foliage.
You May Also Like
Aurora Blue Delphinium: A classic blue from the same midsize series.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum): A white-daisy classic cottage-garden partner.
Peony (Paeonia): A timeless companion for the early-summer border.
How Many Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium Do I Need?
Use Aurora Deep Purple as a mid-border vertical accent, spaced 16–20 inches apart. For a run of purple spires along a border, plan about one plant every 1.5 feet:
| Border Run | Plants Needed (≈18 in. apart) |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 7 plants |
| 20 ft | 13 plants |
| 30 ft | 20 plants |
| 40 ft | 27 plants |
For the richest impact, cluster in groups of 3–5.
Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A mound of deeply cut foliage emerges; flower stalks rise by late spring.
- Summer: Dense columns of deep velvety-purple flowers open early to midsummer, drawing hummingbirds and bees; cut spent spires to the base for a possible rebloom.
- Fall: A lighter second flush may follow if cut back; foliage fades with hard frost.
- Winter: Dies back to the ground — no winter structure; mulch the dormant crown the first winter.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant
Plant It With
- Aurora Blue Delphinium — a classic blue from the same series for a two-tone spire planting.
- Aurora Lavender Delphinium — soft lavender that lightens the deep purple.
- Bartzella Peony — golden early-summer blooms that pop against the purple.
- Amethyst Dream Cornflower — frilly amethyst flowers that echo the purple lower in the bed.
Is Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium Right for Your Yard?
Aurora Deep Purple thrives in full sun to part shade with rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil, and deer generally pass it by. It's not a fit for hot, dry ground or windy, exposed sites without a light support, and all parts are toxic if eaten, so site it away from children and pets.