Delphinium
Article Written By:
Rebecca Jean Rodine
Background
Information
Delphiniums
are beautiful, glorious flowering plants.It
is their shape that makes them a great addition to any flower garden.They
have long, brightly colored spikes that make them a nice flower to add
in the background of a garden.Since
delphiniums have been cultivated for many years, there seems to be some
confusion as to what its name actually is.It
is often called the larkspur, although delphiniums and larkspurs are different
plants.Its name is derived from
the Greek word, delphis, which refers to the dolphin shape of the
flower.
Characteristics
Some
delphiniums grow up to six feet in height, which as said before, makes
them a nice addition to the background of a bed garden.They
perform best in well-drained soils and full exposure to the sun.They
should be fertilized in early spring since they are heavy feeders.Most
delphiniums bloom from early to mid-summer.They
will last about six to eight days in a vase, making them good cut flowers.Although
they are excellent plants, many are short-lived perennials.
General
Knowledge and Care
Type:Annual/Perennial
Propagation:Seeds
Light:Full
Sun
Flower
Color:Varies
Bloom
Time:Early Summer to Early Autumn
Height:3-6
Feet
Soil:Well-composted
and Well-drained
Zones:All
Uses:Cutting
Bed, Back of Border, Beds
Interesting
Facts
-
All flowers
parts of the delphinium are poisonous; Take care with small children
-
Delphinium
are one of only true blue flowers in existence
- In England, they are called “Queen of the Border” since they have been expertly bred for over 130 years, and stand out so majestically in border gardens
-
Although
they appear quite delicate, they are among the most hardy of plant
-
They
have a unique dolphin shaped flower
How
to Manage Delphiniums:
The
blooming times of delphiniums depends on the kind of climate in which they
are being planted.Flowers will
appear in spring and early summer where the temperatures are warmer, and
mid to late summer where the temperatures are cooler.They
need to be sheltered from wind, as they will break with their height.
Seeds
can be started in pots and then transplanted at 12-15 inches when they
become large enough to handle.They
should be watered with enough regularity to encourage strong growth and
when they grow to about 6-8 inches in height, a good fertilizer should
be applied.If left down to die naturally,
there may be a second season, in which case, the flowers would be just
as colorful, but smaller.
Delphiniums
are a truly a beautiful flower that can make not only a flower garden gorgeous,
but also a cut flower arrangement or even a corsage for a formal event.Due
to the ease of growth and maintenance, it would be a great flowering plant
to add to your garden.
Be
the Envy of All Your Friends, and
Plant
Some Delphinium in
Your
Garden Today!!!