My mother, who gardened in zone 3 on the Canadian prairies, grew the most amazing, huge, gorgeous Pacific hybrid delphiniums. I live in hot, humid zone 5, a climate these plants do not like. However, I need my delphinium fix. This strain, bred by Edward Steichen, has done best for me ... at least of the hybrid strains. I had one plant for 10whole years! The native delphinium, delphinium exultation, though not as showy, does even better. Both varieties are best planted in light shade here, and the Connecticut Yankees do need staking.