This ‘Calm Luxury’ Plant is the Flower of the Year

1-800 Flowers has released their 2026 Flower of the Year, a symbolic one for aspiration and better days ahead: the delphinium.

The flower fits in with the “calm luxury” trend, tall and graceful with cool-toned flowers. The structure of the flower gives it an architectural nature. It’s a great choice for many occasions, including times of healing, growth, and major life milestones. According to 1-800 Flowers, “its vertical form naturally draws the eye upward, mirroring a collective desire for growth, clarity, and renewed optimism.” 

The Delphinium represents a hopeful 2026, full of improvement and ambition. 1-800 Flowers offers a number of options that include the flower.

Courtesy of 1-800 Flowers

Courtesy of 1-800 Flowers

Courtesy of 1-800 Flowers

For those wanting to add the delphinium to your floral collection, Sunset Garden Editor Kristin Guy has the following tips:

• Pick the right spot: Delphinium wants full sun in coastal and northern climates, but in hotter inland valleys or the Southwest, give it morning sun and afternoon shade. Good air circulation helps prevent powdery mildew.
• Soil + feeding strategy: Rich, well-draining soil is key. Amend with compost at planting and feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season for tall, dramatic spikes.
• Water deeply, not often: Aim for consistent moisture—about 1 inch of water weekly in mild zones, up to 2 inches in dry or windy regions. Water at the base to keep foliage dry and disease low.
• Support early: Stake when stems are still short. Western winds (looking at you, Plains states and coastal bluffs) can topple full spikes fast. A simple grid support or bamboo teepee works beautifully.
• Styling cue – mix for height + drama: Use delphinium as your vertical anchor in a perennial border, or pair it with softer textures—think yarrow, foxglove, or airy grasses—for a layered, West-meets-cottage look. Cut stems last long in a vase, so harvest freely.

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