Mine had smaller flowers from further down the stem from the main flower and now that they've faded, I shall cut the whole stem back to the ground.

Did you see smaller shoots there? They won't appear now, they'd have been there with the tall flower. The plants do often produce a further flush of flowers later, but much shorter than the first ones - so cut them back.

Here's hoping!

Thanks,Spritzhenry,very helpful.No,there aren't any smaller shoots,so will cut them back now,as you suggested....Much appreciated...:o)

I hope we both get more flowers, Bloomer! :-))

Me too,Spritz,they are really beautiful plants...I have some more I have sown this year in pots,so hope these are blue.The ones referred to in the question are white,from a mixed packet bought at chelsea a couple of years ago.

Any new growth further down or near the bottom just now may give you a 2nd flush end Aug / Sept so leave. The whole plant completely dies down over winter & you will not see anything of the plant at all until the spring. We've had lots of huge dalphs this year - reaching over 8ft and like yours these were just new seeds last year, so your plants should double in size for next year - good luck. :o)

Noticed your new comment Bloomer - ideal time to plant new seedlings ready for next year is now - gives them a chance to put on root growth before the chill of winter when they become dormant. For some reason a back end sowing seems to boost the new plants for the following year & gives them a head start. We similarly sow foxglove seeds now for next year.

Thank you for your comment,Tcg,but had cut them down,before I read it.The
old foliage was past its best anyway,and there is new growth at the bottom.so i might be lucky.The new ones were sown about a month ago,and already showing.Looking forward to seeing what colour they are..,all advice is very welcome..:o)).

Good luck with them - I'm sure they will winter well :o)