Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ is a perennial that adds elegance and vertical interest to gardens. Its distinctive blooms and upright growth make it a desirable choice for creating a striking landscape. This variety contributes graceful spires of color to borders and beds, enhancing any garden’s aesthetic appeal.
Understanding Delphinium Cinderella
Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ features pleniflorous, double flowers in shades of purple, light violet, and sometimes pale pink with white centers or green tips. Individual flowers measure approximately 6.5 to 7 cm in diameter and 2.5 to 3 cm in length. These double flowers form dense racemes.
This variety has a vigorous, upright, clump-forming growth habit, reaching 1 to 1.2 meters (36-46 inches) tall and spreading 0.5 to 0.8 meters (2 to 2.5 feet). It features deeply lobed, glossy, dark green leaves (10 to 15 cm), contrasting with the vibrant blooms. Inflorescences are 30 to 40 cm long, adding vertical interest. ‘Cinderella’ blooms from late spring to early summer and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Planting Delphinium Cinderella
Plant Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ in full sun, ideally receiving six to eight hours daily, with a preference for gentle morning and early afternoon sun in hotter climates. A sheltered location protects tall, hollow stems from strong winds and heavy rain, which can cause damage.
Delphiniums require fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Improve drainage and enrich soil by incorporating organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, to a depth of 30 cm (1 foot) before planting. Dig a hole twice the rootball’s diameter, position the plant so the top of the rootball is level with the soil, then backfill and water thoroughly.
Caring for Delphinium Cinderella
Water Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ consistently, especially during dry periods, to maintain evenly moist but not waterlogged soil. Deep water in early morning or late afternoon at the plant’s base to avoid wetting foliage and prevent fungal diseases. Proper drainage is essential, as standing water can cause crown and root rot.
Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ is a heavy feeder, benefiting from regular fertilization to support abundant blooms. Begin feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, then use a liquid feed every two weeks once new shoots appear and throughout the growing season. Stunted growth or yellow foliage indicates a need for nutrients. Stake tall flower spikes early in the season, attaching supports at 12 to 18-inch intervals, to prevent stems from bending or snapping.
Pruning and Deadheading for Rebloom
Pruning and deadheading encourage Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ to produce a second flush of flowers. Once main flower spikes finish blooming, cut them back to encourage new growth from side shoots. This involves removing the spent flower stalk down to the level of its smaller side shoots or to the nearest set of leaves.
To promote a second, often smaller, bloom in late summer or early autumn, cut the entire spent flower stalk back to approximately 2 inches (5 cm) above ground. This directs the plant’s energy away from seed production towards new blooms. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent plant damage and disease. After the second bloom, or at the end of the growing season, the entire plant can be cut back to the ground.
Common Problems and Solutions
Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ can encounter issues with slugs and snails, which pose a threat to young shoots in spring, leaving slimy trails. Monitor for their presence and use control methods like slug baits or physical barriers.
Powdery mildew is common, appearing as a white, powdery coating on leaves. This fungal issue can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overcrowding, and watering the soil directly. If powdery mildew appears, infected parts of the plant can be cut back. Delphiniums are also susceptible to cyclamen mites, which can cause foliage distortion. Ensuring proper growing conditions and promptly addressing any signs of pests or diseases helps maintain plant health.
Winter Care
Prepare Delphinium ‘Cinderella’ for winter dormancy to ensure its longevity. Once the growing season concludes and foliage dies back in late autumn, cut all growth to ground level. This cleans the garden and helps prevent overwintering pests or diseases.
Delphiniums are sensitive to wet winter conditions, which can lead to crown and root rot. Apply a protective layer of organic mulch, such as well-rotted manure or leaf mold, over the plant’s crown in autumn. This insulates roots and maintains consistent soil moisture, protecting the plant from freezing temperatures and heaving.