Larkspur 'Fanfare' is a tall, showy perennial delphinium that reaches 4 to 8 feet in height, producing stunning flower spikes from May through July. This hybrid belongs to the celebrated Elatum Group, a lineage of complex crosses that have captivated gardeners for generations with some of the most dramatic blooms in the garden. Hardy in zones 3 through 7, it thrives in cool-summer climates and performs exceptionally well in fertile, humus-rich soil with good drainage. Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to its electric blue flowers, and the blooms cut beautifully for arrangements, extending the garden's beauty indoors.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-7
96in H x 36in W
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High
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Standing 4 to 8 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 3 feet, 'Fanfare' commands attention in any garden with tall, showy flower spikes that bloom from May through July. The blooms attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, turning the plant into a living wildlife magnet during peak season. Deer and rabbits leave it alone, a genuine advantage in gardens plagued by browsing pressure. The flowers hold up beautifully in vases, making this a stellar choice for cut-flower enthusiasts who want vertical drama in both garden and home.
Larkspur 'Fanfare' serves as a striking vertical accent in perennial borders and cut-flower gardens. The tall spikes excel at providing height and drama to flower arrangements, adding elegant lines that complement shorter, rounder blooms. In the landscape, it anchors the back of beds where its 4 to 8-foot stature won't shade lower-growing plants. The flowers also function as a pollinator magnet, drawing butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the blooming season.
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Cut flowers for arrangements when the lower flowers on the spike are fully open but the upper buds remain tight; this extends the vase life significantly. Harvest in early morning or late evening when stems are turgid. Cut at least one-third of the stem length from the plant, leaving foliage below to fuel regrowth.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the season. As a tall perennial, 'Fanfare' requires staking for support, especially in areas with strong winds or heavy rain. Prune back in late fall or early spring, cutting the plant down after frost kills the foliage. Remove any diseased or damaged stems promptly.
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“Delphinium represents one of horticulture's most ambitious breeding efforts. The genus encompasses over 300 species, yet most delphiniums in commerce today are complex hybrids developed through careful crosses. The Elatum Group, also known as English hybrid types and designated Delphinium x elatum, emerged as gardeners selected for increasingly showy cultivars with vigorous growth and dramatic flower form. Over generations, breeders introduced numerous series and strains within this group, each refinement adding to the pool of showiest specimens available to home gardeners. 'Fanfare' represents the culmination of this selective work, a cultivar chosen for ornamental excellence.”