Blue Mirror Delphinium Flower, Heirloom, Larkspur

The Blue Mirror Delphinium carries a pedigree that spans continents and centuries.

• Ancient Roots: While this variety was formally introduced to the European nursery trade in 1818, it has been cultivated in Chinese gardens for significantly longer. It was a prized treasure in East Asian floral design, valued for its unique, intense coloration and symbolic meaning.
• The "Larkspur" Connection: Known historically as a type of Larkspur (referring to the spurred shape of the flower), this plant has been a cornerstone of cottage gardens for two centuries. Its formal introduction to Western gardeners in 1818 sparked a "blue craze" that helped define the classic Victorian garden palette.

Blue Mirror is celebrated for its deep, almost neon-blue hue that stands out in any landscape.

• The Blooms: The flowers are an intense, brilliant cobalt blue, often described as a "true blue" that is rare in the floral world. They sit upon sturdy, branching stems, creating a mass of color rather than a single spike.
• The Hummingbird Magnet: Despite the intense blue color—a shade typically associated with bees—hummingbirds are famously drawn to this variety. The high nectar content and the accessible, spurred shape of the flowers make them a favorite stop for visiting hummingbirds throughout the summer.
• The Habit: Unlike its tall cousins, Blue Mirror stays compact, typically reaching 12–15 inches. This makes it an exceptional choice for small-space gardeners, as it doesn't require the tall stakes or elaborate trellises usually needed for delphiniums.

This delphinium is a short-lived perennial that is often grown as an annual in hotter climates or as a dedicated perennial in cooler regions. It thrives in well-drained soil and appreciates a cooler garden spot.

Garden Bed Coverage: One packet from Firefly Farm & Mercantile is designed to perfectly seed a 20 square foot bed (roughly an 8' to 10' long by 2.5' wide garden bed) or to plant 3–5 large decorative patio containers.

"Blue Mirror is the most 'true blue' flower we grow at Firefly Farm. We love it because it’s so versatile—it fits in the front of a border where taller plants would look awkward. It’s an absolute magnet for hummingbirds, and the color is so vibrant that it literally looks like a piece of the sky has fallen into the garden."

• Starting Seeds: Sow seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. These seeds benefit from a "cold stratification" period—try placing your seed-starting tray in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks before moving them to a warm, bright area to germinate.
• Moisture: Blue Mirror prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially during the peak of summer heat.
• Deadheading: Snipping off spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce a second flush of flowers later in the season.