Delphinium Benary’s Pacific Guinevere | Delphinium hybrida | Cut Flower

Delphinium ‘Benary’s Pacific Guinevere’ is a magnificent tall perennial from the renowned Benary’s Pacific series, producing impressive flower spikes covered with large soft lavender-rose flowers with contrasting white centres.

Growing to approximately 160 cm tall, Guinevere creates beautiful vertical structure in the garden and is particularly valuable as a cut flower. Its long, strong stems, impressive flower spikes and good vase life make it suitable for both home cutting gardens and professional flower production.

Part of the FastraX perennial programme, Guinevere has an important advantage: it can flower in the first year from seed without requiring vernalization.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Delphinium hybrida
• Series: Benary’s Pacific
• Variety: Guinevere
• Plant type: Perennial
• Height: Approx. 160 cm
• Flower colour: Lavender-rose with white centre
• Flower form: Large flowers arranged on tall spikes
• Flowering: Summer
• First-year flowering: Yes
• Vernalization required: No
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Seed form: Raw seed
• Uses: Cut flowers, borders, cottage gardens and landscape planting

How Long from Seed to Flower?

Under suitable growing conditions, the spring crop time is approximately:

18–22 weeks = around 126–154 days from sowing to flowering.

One of the main advantages of this variety is that it belongs to the FastraX perennial range, which has been selected for first-year flowering without vernalization.

This means plants do not need to pass through a winter cold period before producing their first flowers.

Actual flowering time will depend on sowing date, temperature, light and growing conditions.

Sowing & Germination

For flowering in the first season, start seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.

Sow into a fine, moist and well-drained seed-starting mix.

Maintain even moisture during germination, but avoid waterlogging.

A cool environment is preferable for Delphinium germination. A temperature of approximately 15–18 °C is suitable.

Germination can be somewhat variable, so allow approximately 2–4 weeks for seedlings to emerge.

Important: I would not state that Delphinium seed “needs light for germination” or must always be left uncovered. Germination recommendations for Delphinium vary by seed source, so for a consumer seed-shop page it is safer to recommend sowing shallowly and covering only very lightly.

Growing the Seedlings

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them carefully into individual cells or small pots.

Keep young plants in a bright, relatively cool position with good air circulation.

Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions before planting them into their permanent position.

Plant outside after severe frost risk has passed.

Position

Choose a position in full sun to partial shade.

In cooler climates, full sun generally produces strong flowering. In warmer locations, some protection from intense afternoon sun can be beneficial.

Because Guinevere grows to around 160 cm, choose a position protected from strong winds whenever possible.

Soil

Delphiniums perform best in fertile, humus-rich and well-drained soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Before planting, improve poorer soils with mature compost or other well-decomposed organic matter.

Avoid locations where water remains around the crown, particularly during winter.

Watering & Feeding

Tall Delphiniums require regular moisture during active growth and flower-stem development.

Water deeply during dry periods rather than giving frequent shallow watering.

A layer of organic mulch around the plants helps maintain more consistent soil moisture.

Feed during spring growth with a balanced fertilizer or enrich the soil with well-rotted compost.

Supporting Tall Flower Stems

With flower stems reaching approximately 160 cm, support is recommended, particularly in exposed gardens.

Use discreet stakes, plant supports or horizontal flower netting and install support before the flower stems become very tall.

This helps keep the stems straight and protects them from wind and heavy rain.

Excellent Cut Flower

Benary’s Pacific Guinevere has been selected and tested for excellent flower and stem quality.

The long flower spikes make a dramatic vertical element in large bouquets and floral arrangements, while the delicate lavender-rose and white colour combination works beautifully in romantic and garden-style floristry.

For the best vase performance, harvest when the lower flowers on the spike have opened while the upper buds are still developing.

Encourage a Second Flush

After the main flower spike has finished, remove spent stems rather than allowing the plant to put all its energy into seed production.

Under favourable conditions, this can encourage additional flowering later in the season.

At the end of the growing season, old growth can be cut back after it has naturally declined.

Perennial Garden Plant

Unlike many annual cut flowers, Guinevere is a perennial Delphinium and can return for subsequent seasons when grown in suitable conditions.

Its tall architectural flower spikes make it particularly beautiful towards the middle or back of perennial borders.

For a natural cottage-garden effect, combine it with roses, foxgloves, campanulas and other perennial flowers.

Why Choose Benary’s Pacific Guinevere?

First-year flowering without vernalization is one of the strongest advantages of this variety.

It combines:

Lavender-rose flowers with white centres • Tall 160 cm stems • First-year flowering • No vernalization required • Excellent cut-flower quality • Long flower spikes • Good vase life • Perennial growth

This makes Guinevere an excellent choice for gardeners who want the beauty of a traditional tall perennial Delphinium but also want to see flowers in the first season from seed.

Perfect for

Cut flowers • Cutting gardens • Cottage gardens • Perennial borders • Romantic gardens • Landscape planting • Pollinator-friendly gardens

Delphinium Benary’s Pacific Guinevere is an impressive first-year flowering perennial Delphinium with tall, elegant spikes of lavender-rose flowers and contrasting white centres — an excellent choice for both the garden and sophisticated summer bouquets.