Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Mini Stars Mix Delphinium: Mixed Spires Without the Staking
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Mini Stars Mix delphinium keeps the look of classic tall spires on a shorter, bushier plant that tops out around 18 to 30 inches and generally does not need staking. Each plant carries sizable spires in one of several colors: purple, blue, mauve, pink, lilac or cream, some with a contrasting central tuft.
If you have ever lost a tall delphinium to one summer thunderstorm, the appeal is obvious.
Mini Stars Mix at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Delphinium Mini Stars Mix |
| Flowers | Mixed purple, blue, mauve, pink, lilac and cream, florets about 1.5 inches |
| Foliage | Medium green, deeply lobed |
| Size | 18 to 30 inches tall, basal clump 18 to 24 inches wide |
| Bloom | Early summer, with more flowers later in the season |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 7 |
| Light | Full sun to light part shade |
A mixed palette that flatters lavender
Nearly every color in this mix lives in lavender's neighborhood: purple, blue, lilac and mauve all echo the lavender itself, while the pinks and creams lighten the scheme. Planted as a group, the mix reads like a cottage border in miniature, and lavender in front ties it together.
Delphiniums need richer, moister soil than lavender, so plan a border with two strips: lavender on the sunniest, leanest, best-drained front edge, and Mini Stars just behind it, where you can water more often. Because these plants are shorter than standard delphiniums, they do not tower over the lavender; they lift the planting a foot or so higher. Lay it out in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Soil: rich and well drained, with organic matter worked in. Avoid spots that stay soggy in winter.
- Water: regular watering during the season; delphiniums do not like to dry out.
- Climate: they prefer cool summers, which suits much of the Great Lakes region.
- Support: the shorter stems usually stand on their own. In very windy spots, a low ring support helps.
- Rebloom: cut spent spikes back to the leaves after the first bloom for a second round in late summer and fall.
Getting the most from a mix
Since each plant carries one color, plant in groups of five or more to see the range. If you want a cleaner look, wait until the first bloom, note which colors you like where, and arrange future plantings around them. Cut a few spires for the house; they are among the classic early-summer cut flowers, and the second flush gives you another chance.
The plug tray format
Mini Stars Mix is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray, which suits growers, cutting gardens and long borders. See the product page for current availability, or the Wholesale Hub for tray orders.
Frequently asked questions
How tall will Mini Stars get?
About 18 to 30 inches, depending on the plant and conditions, much shorter than standard delphiniums.
Do I need to stake it?
Generally not. The compact, bushy habit holds the spires up, though a support helps in exposed, windy spots.
Is delphinium toxic?
Yes, all parts are toxic if eaten. Plant it away from grazing pets and small children.
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