Selected in New Zealand, the New Millennium Delphinium strains outperform all other tall types and offer some astonishingly rich shades. This variety produces tall, stately spires of flowers in pale to sky blue with a contrasting white “bee” in the middle. The deeply-cut leaves form a medium-sized bushy mound with superior vigour. Stems may require staking in windy areas, best done before they reach 3 feet or so in height. Removing spent spikes right after flowering will encourage repeat blooming in fall. In hot, humid summer regions Delphinium plants do not usually last more than 2 to 3 years. Foliage may become infected with powdery mildew in mid summer; simply cut back hard to encourage fresh leaves or use a preventative fungicide beginning in mid spring.