Aurora Lavender Delphinium
Aurora Lavender Delphinium
Midsize Lavender Spires, Sturdy and Early
Aurora Lavender Delphinium (Delphinium elatum 'Aurora Lavender') brings soft lavender-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 graceful vertical accent for sunny and part-shade borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Aurora Lavender Delphinium Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Delphinium elatum 'Aurora Lavender' |
| 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 | Soft lavender-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: Sturdy spires add cottage-garden 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 lovely cut. Pair with roses, peonies, 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 Lavender 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 Lavender 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 Deep Purple Delphinium: A richer purple from the same midsize series.
Peony (Paeonia): A timeless companion for the early-summer border.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum): A white-daisy classic cottage-garden partner.
How Many Aurora Lavender Delphinium Do I Need?
Use Aurora Lavender as a mid-border vertical accent, spaced 16–20 inches apart. For a soft lavender run 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 a romantic cottage effect, cluster in groups of 3–5.
Aurora Lavender Delphinium Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A mound of deeply cut foliage emerges; flower stalks rise by late spring.
- Summer: Dense columns of soft lavender-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 to deepen the cottage palette.
- Aurora Deep Purple Delphinium — a richer purple that anchors the lavender tones.
- Bartzella Peony — golden early-summer blooms that warm up the cool lavender.
- Marvel Rose Salvia — rosy spikes that bloom alongside and after for a long show.
Is Aurora Lavender Delphinium Right for Your Yard?
Aurora Lavender thrives in full sun to part shade with rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil, and deer usually leave it be. It's not a fit for hot, dry sites or windy, exposed spots without a light support, and all parts are toxic if eaten, so keep it clear of children and pets.