Hybridizers have performed minor miracles through the ages with the delphinium to the point that they are now considered one of the most beautiful of all garden flowers.
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These tall, stately members of the Ranunculaceae family have been popular garden plants for generations especially in cottage and meadow gardens where their showy spikes of flowers in summer make a lovely display when planted en masse or in groups.
They give height when positioned at the back of border plantings and like the company of roses, geraniums and the low growing late flowering oriental liliums.
Dwarf delphiniums can be placed at the front of borders.
They range in size from the 10 centimetre alpine species to the giants at two metres tall.
Although we may be inclined to think the delphinium hybrids as modern creations, in 1629 John Parkinson wrote in his “Paradisus” that he grew double delphiniums in several shades and Sir Thomas Hanmer in 1659 listed nine colours in single, double and variegated forms.
Our modern plants may not be as tall as the old varieties but the stems are more vigorous and the individual florets, mostly semi-double, come in a varied range of colours through blue, pink, lavender, red, white, yellow and pale green.
The word delphinium is Greek from ‘delphis’ or ‘delphinion’ meaning dolphin.
The name was given to the flower by Dioscorides who saw a likeness to the dolphin in the shape of the nectar containing spurs at the base of the flower. Delphiniums have the common name of larkspur.
Delphiniums prefer a soil pH slightly on the alkaline side and appreciate a light dressing of lime in autumn.
Choose an open, sunny position with compost enriched, well drained soil that affords protection from the strong winds.
Plant new crowns during their dormant period through late autumn and in winter with the top of the crown just below the surface.
Delphiniums like plenty water in summer and a cool, moist root run.
A good layer of mulch will be most beneficial. Stake the top-heavy flower spikes so they don’t bend over and snap.
Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation and to encourage a second, and possibly a third, flush of blooms.
Old congested clumps can be divided every three years in spring just as the new growth begins to appear. Allow two strong shoots and plenty of healthy roots to each piece.
Replant with the top of the crown just below the surface.
Take care as all parts of this plant are poisonous.
The penstemon is a similar plant that adds appeal to the summer garden with its colourful tubular flowers of pink, red, blue, purple and white. Penstemons are not very sociable plants and don’t like to be crowded. Give them plenty of space and they’ll thrive in hot, sunny conditions.
Diary
August 16: The Australian Plant Society will meet at the Max Fry Hall on Gorge Rd, Trevallyn, Launceston at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to attend the meeting at no charge and will be able to gain expert advice on gardening with native plants from the friendly members over a cup of tea or coffee. Information on the APST can be obtained from its website at www.apstasnorth.org
August 17: The Launceston Horticultural Society will meet at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm. Visitors are welcome. A homemade supper is provided.
August 18: The Launceston Orchid Society will meet at the Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston at 7.00pm. Visitors are most welcome.
