Dan's Papers - June 15, 2007 - The Garden At Rock Cottage by Lance Brilliantine

Among the favorite garden flowers are those that produce spikes of flowers. Among these wonderfully spired flowers are the foxglove, larkspur, lupine, hollyhock, gladiolus, and, of course, the delphinium. While all of these flowers produce wonderful effects, the delphinium is especially noteworthy.

Delphiniums are one of the more spectacular and popular of garden flowers and come in a wide range of colors, flower forms and heights. Delphiniums seem to do extremely well in the British climate around London and are a keynote of these beautiful gardens. Nothing is more beautiful - or romantic - than wandering among the majestic blue, purple, mauve, white, or pink spikes of delphiniums.

You don't have to live in the British Isles to grow outstanding delphiniums. They are hardy plants that can survive Zones 3 through 8. Modern delphiniums are hybrids that have results from European cross-species such as those from the Swiss Alps (D. elatum) with a dark-blue Siberian species (D. cheilanthum), and the purple-hooded variety that originates from the Himalayas (D. brunonianum). The commonly grown modern Delphinium elatum evolved from these crosses. All of the large flowered forms we know today were developed from these crosses in the early 20th Century.

These towering, upright perennials make a dramatic garden display when planted in groups of three or more. The dense spikes can reach up to eight feet in height. The "eye" of the plant is sometimes a contrasting color. Among those we believe are most important are "Black Arrow," which produces a dramatic purple-black flower, "Blue Nile" with its intense deep blue flower and pale eye, "Sandpiper" which produces a cream-colored eye against white petals, "Sungleam" with its pale yellow flowers with yellow eye, " Emily Hawkins" with its pale blue and lilac edged color, "Black Night" that produces sumptuous purple flowers with a black eye and "Lord Butler" which produces a blue flower.

Keep in mind that while the plants are beautiful, all parts are poisonous if eaten. The foliage is also known to cause skin irritation in some individuals. This means the plant may not be the best choice for homes with children or pets. The secret to growing large, beautiful delphiniums is to remember that they are heavy feeders. Plant performance can linked to the amount of compost, cow manure, and commercial fertilizers that are provided for the plant.

These flowers benefit from soil that is slightly alkaline. Soil pH levels can be altered by placing lime and/or fireplace ashes around the plants. Creating a more alkaline environment enables the plants to absorb nutrients and promotes strong growth, green leaves, and beautiful blooms.

To plant delphiniums, begin by selecting a sunny location in an area where the soil is deep and rich. Purchase seedlings from a nursery and set the plants into well-prepared and cultivated soil. If the soil does not have good drainage, amend it with peat and compost or place a layer of rocks and gravel about 12 inches under ground level. Work in about one pound of fertilizer per 25 square feet of soil. Set the seeds about two feet apart and press the soil around them tightly.

When plants develop to a height of about two feet, stake the stalks to keep them from breaking or bending. Continue to water the plants to establish deep root systems. Keep the surface of the soil free from weeds.

About a month after planting, work in cow manure, or about a tablespoon of fertilizer around each plant. Once this is done, water the soil to help the manure or fertilize soak in. Continue this process every month throughout the blooming period.

When the plants complete their summer blooming, cut back the growing stalks. At this point, the plants should be fed again in order to induce a second crop of blooms. If this procedure is followed, the plants will produce both a summer and early fall crop of flowers.

Delphiniums can be divided every three years, as the plants tend to lose their vigor and potential at that time. This is an early spring job, just as the shoots are breaking through the ground. Dig plants carefully, wash dirt away, cut the clumps into sections, each with a strong stem. Plant the cuttings immediately in well-prepared soil and set the plants so the crowns are about two inches below the surface. Cuttings can also be used to reinvigorate blooming.

You can contact Lance Brilliantine with any questions or comments at GardenLance@yahoo.com.