Cheer Blue Delphinium is a compact cultivar of Delphinium grandiflorum that brings jewel-toned blue spikes into small garden spaces. Hardy in zone 4, this 12-inch dwarf reaches full height and width in a tidy mound, making it exceptional for borders, containers, and cottage gardens where full-sized delphiniums would overwhelm. It blooms reliably through summer, from June into August, and its bright blue flowers attract pollinators while remaining untouched by deer.
8
Full Sun
Moderate
4-4
12in H x 12in W
—
High
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At just 12 inches tall and equally wide, Cheer Blue grows dense and proportional without the gangly awkwardness of standard delphiniums. The plant flowers throughout the entire summer season and resists deer browsing, a genuine gift in gardens where these plants are browsed heavily. Pollinators seek it out, bringing active garden life to even small spaces.
Cheer Blue thrives as a border plant and container specimen where its compact habit shines. Its summer-long flowering makes it valuable for cutting gardens or mixed containers paired with complementary summer bloomers. The deer resistance expands its usefulness in rural and woodland-edge gardens where larger delphinium varieties often suffer browse damage.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Sow on a sterile germinating mix with vermiculite to prevent fungal problems, and maintain temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit initially. Once sprouted, transition seedlings to cool conditions around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Darkness improves germination success, so cover seeds after sowing or use a dark germination chamber.
Harden off seedlings gradually before moving them outdoors after the last spring frost. Plant into full sun with proper spacing of 8 inches between plants. Amend soil with 2 to 4 inches of compost and ensure good drainage.
Direct sow in a finely raked seed bed in mid spring once soil is workable. Keep seeds in darkness for best germination.
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