Quick Guide: summer, hardy, sun, height: 90cm-1.5m/3-5ft, width: 45-60cm/18-24in

Delphiniums are unquestionably the most magnificent flowers in the herbaceous border. Quite apart from their great height, the profusion of blooms and intensity of colour - usually blue, but sometimes pink or cream - make an unforgettable impression. Most garden types are hybrids bred from D. elatum and other species, giving two strains known as Elatum or Large flowered (up to 2.4m/8ft, and including the Pacific hybrids, above) and Belladonna (about 1.2m/4ft).

GROWING Set out young plants from autumn to spring in deep, rich soil on a sheltered site. Provide stout canes for support. Cut back to ground level after flowering.

PROPAGATION Divide established plants in spring or take 7.5cm/3in basal cuttings and insert in a peat/sand mixture in a cold frame. Transfer to a nursery bed when rooted and grow on until planting out in autumn.

VARIETIES The choice is wide. `Blue Jade', Pacific, dwarf at 1.2m/4ft, sky-blue; 'Wendy', Belladonna, gentian blue; `Butterball', Elatum, rich cream.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Slugs and snails damage young shoots.