A collection of delphiniums grown by Colin Parton, affectionately known as the Delphinium Dad, have been awarded National Plant Collection status by horticultural conservation charity Plant Heritage.

It is thought to the largest collection of delphiniums in the UK and is held at Delph Cottage Garden and includes 21 rare cultivars, including delphinium elatum ‘Bambi’, ‘Boudicca’ and ‘Taj Mahal’, which are classed as endangered.

Over the past 40 years Parton has grown, collected and cared for a range of delphinium elatum cultivars in his back garden.

In 2014 his wife Julie passed away and in her memory Colin scaled up his collection which now boasts over 100 different types of delphiniums, can be visited at open garden days in return for a donation to Cancer Research.

Parton says: “I’m honoured to have been awarded National Plant Collection status by Plant Heritage and hope that through their networks, and by continuing to spread the word about my delphiniums, that I can find someone or a group to take on my collection when I’m no longer able to care for it myself.

“Until then, I’ll continue to happily tend to my delphiniums and welcome visitors during open garden days – seeing the joy they bring to so many people is just wonderful.”

Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, paid tribute to Colin’s conservation work.

Hines says: “At Plant Heritage, we’re passionate about protecting the diversity of garden plants so we can enjoy them and because it’s important for biodiversity.

“We are immensely grateful to Colin and his tireless efforts to ensure that his beautiful delphiniums are safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. His lifelong love for delphiniums is clear, and his commitment to sharing knowledge and skills is inspirational.”