What Makes Delphinium Special

Delphinium does two things that almost no other wedding flower can: it grows tall (up to four feet on a single spike) and it comes in true blue. In a world of blush, white, and pink, delphinium introduces cool-toned color that’s actually natural — not dyed. Its columnar shape creates vertical movement in arrangements, drawing the eye upward in a way that round blooms simply can’t.

The Poppy Perspective

Our designers reach for delphinium when they need height, movement, or a pop of blue without resorting to dyed flowers. It’s the go-to for couples who want a “something blue” that’s subtle and woven throughout their florals. It’s also invaluable for large-scale installations — ceremony arches, altar arrangements, and tall centerpieces — where vertical lines add architectural interest.

While delphinium is available year-round through Poppy’s sourcing partners, it’s most popular for summer weddings where its cool blues feel refreshing. Spring weddings love the softer lavender shades. White delphinium is an underrated choice that adds height to all-white palettes with incredible grace.

Best Uses

  • Ceremony installations — Tall spikes woven through arches or rising from altar arrangements create dramatic height.
  • Tall centerpieces — Delphinium is the natural choice for elevated arrangements that need to clear the sightline above seated guests.
  • Bridal bouquets — Used as an accent, individual florets or short spikes add height and a pop of blue to hand-tied bouquets.
  • Aisle arrangements — Their height makes them visible from every seat, creating a grand processional.

Color Varieties

Blue is the signature — ranging from a pale, almost periwinkle shade to a rich, saturated cobalt. Purple and deep violet varieties are stunning for formal or jewel-toned palettes. White delphinium is elegant and pairs with everything. A soft pink variety works for romantic designs that want height without the blue tones.

Pairs Well With

  • Garden roses — Round, lush roses anchored at the base with delphinium rising above is a classic designer combination.
  • Hydrangeas — Soft, massed hydrangea at the base with delphinium spikes creates lush arrangements with dramatic height.
  • Peonies — The fullness of peonies contrasts beautifully with delphinium’s linear shape.
  • Stock — Another vertical bloom that adds fragrance and a softer texture alongside delphinium.

What Customers Ask

“Is delphinium fragile?” Individual florets are delicate, but the stems are sturdy and hold up well in professional arrangements. Your Poppy designer handles them carefully during transport and installation. They may shed a few petals naturally, which actually creates a romantic, garden-gathered effect.

“Can I use delphinium as my ‘something blue’?” It’s one of the best ways to do it. A few stems of blue delphinium tucked into your bouquet or featured in your centerpieces adds that “something blue” tradition without looking forced. Much more elegant than a blue ribbon.

“Is delphinium expensive?” It’s in the moderate range. Because each stem is tall with many florets, you get good value — a few stems go a long way in adding height and color to an arrangement.