For gardeners — or fans of the color blue — the 2026 flower of the year should look familiar! Learn why delphinium deserves accolades.
According to 1-800-Flowers.com, the flower of the year for 2026 is a familiar favorite for fans of blue blooms. Delphinium is a true-blue delight in gardens within its Zone 3 to 7 range, where it brings in a wide variety of pollinators — including hummingbirds and butterflies. Its common name is larkspur.
To grow delphinium, make sure it’s placed in full sun and well-draining soil. Don’t allow the soil to dry out, and make sure to fertilize the plant regularly. Cutting the stems back after their first bloom of the season encourages another round of flowers in late summer or early fall. Because these flowers are highly susceptible to heat, it can be difficult to keep them going as perennials in hotter climates.
Why Choose Delphinium for Flower of the Year?
What makes delphinium worthy of its selection as flower of the year? Retailer 1-800-Flowers chose delphinium for what it considers the flower’s peaceful means of commanding attention. “Delphinium fits beautifully into what people are loving right now,” 1-800-Flowers.com’s head floral designer Mallory Green said in a press release. “Blues and cool toned florals are surging, especially with the calm luxury movement. Designers are using delphinium to create vertical flow and serene, airy compositions.”
For those who’d choose to gift a delphinium plant or add it to floral arrangements, it’s always a welcome addition. Offering height without heaviness, 1-800-Flowers.com notes that this flower inspires calm and introspection, as well as aspiration in its height. It can also be used for a cottage or meadow garden.
“There is something grounding about its blues,” Mallory said in the press release. “They remind me of calm oceans and clear sky. But the height gives a sense of momentum and encouragement. It is rare for a flower to bring both peace and purpose.”
Love blue flowers? Here’s how to change your hydrangea flower color to blue.
Sources
- 1-800-Flowers.com, “It’s Delphinium Time: Introducing the 2026 Flower of the Year“
