DELPHINIUM Galahad

Description and Characteristics

Delphinium 'Galahad' is a stately and elegant perennial from the Pacific Hybrid series, famed for its tall, spiked racemes of pure white flowers with delicate central eyes (also called “bees”). This cultivar is particularly prized for its clean colour, dramatic height, and excellent performance in cottage and traditional garden borders.

The sturdy flower spikes can reach 1.5 to 1.8 metres in height, rising from a clump of deeply lobed green foliage. The blooms appear in early to mid-summer, with a possible second flush in late summer if cut back after the first flowering. It makes a stunning backdrop in perennial borders and is an excellent cut flower for tall arrangements.

Delphinium 'Galahad' is part of the Pacific Hybrids group, bred for improved vigour, taller spikes, and uniform flowering. While it’s not the longest-lived perennial, it often remains for several years with the right care and positioning.

• Tall, upright spikes of snow-white flowers with white bees

• Flowering season: June to July, with a possible second flush in August

• Height: 1.5–1.8 m; Spread: 60–75 cm

• Perfect for cottage gardens, mixed borders, and cutting gardens

• Loved by bees, butterflies, and pollinators

• Part of the Pacific Hybrid (p.h.) series – known for height and flower quality

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Delphinium 'Galahad' thrives in sunny, sheltered spots with rich, well-drained soil. It benefits from staking, feeding, and regular maintenance to support its dramatic floral display.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best growth and flowering

  • In warmer climates, a touch of afternoon shade helps prevent wilting

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost

  • Best in neutral to slightly alkaline pH

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering

  • Avoid overhead watering to prevent crown rot

• Feeding:

  • Apply a high-potash fertiliser (e.g. tomato feed) monthly during growing season

  • Mulch in spring with well-rotted manure or compost

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Cut back flower spikes after blooming to base for second flush

  • Remove faded foliage to tidy appearance and reduce fungal risk

  • In late autumn, cut back all growth to ground level

• Staking:

  • Essential for tall spikes—use discreet bamboo canes or grow-through supports

  • Stake early in the season before stems become heavy

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 3–7 (RHS H7)

  • Apply mulch in autumn to protect roots and conserve moisture

  • Avoid letting soil become overly wet in winter

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Delphinium 'Galahad' provides majestic vertical accent, classic elegance, and pollinator value to summer gardens. Its white colour is especially impactful in moon gardens, cool colour schemes, or contrasted against darker backdrops.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for back-of-border placement, cottage garden designs, and formal beds

  • Works beautifully in mixed perennial borders and white gardens

  • A dramatic feature in floral arrangements and cut flower displays

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with roses, foxgloves, peonies, phlox, and alliums

  • Combines well with salvia, geranium, alchemilla, nepeta, and lupins

  • Contrasts effectively with dark-leaved shrubs or silver foliage plants like Artemisia

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees and butterflies

  • Tall spikes act as beacon plants in pollinator borders

  • Ideal addition to wildlife-friendly or organic gardens

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • May be affected by slugs, snails, or aphids—especially on young shoots

  • Watch for powdery mildew or crown rot in damp or crowded conditions

  • Improve airflow and avoid excessive moisture at the base

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.