How to prune summer skies delphinium

Early summer after first bloom; late summer for the final season cutback. Cut the main spent spike to a strong lateral shoot or leaf node to push a second flush. At season's end cut all stems to ground level. Remove any mildew-affected leaves promptly throughout the season.

Deadhead once or twice mid-season; annual cutback in late summer. Summer Skies delphinium, like all tall Elatum cultivars, benefits from cutting back after the first bloom to encourage a second flush of pale blue flowers. Remove the spent main spike down to lateral shoots in early summer. Cut all stems to the ground in late summer once foliage declines. Staking is essential before pruning matters.

Cut the main spent spike to a strong lateral shoot or leaf node to push a second flush. At season's end cut all stems to ground level. Remove any mildew-affected leaves promptly throughout the season.