English Delphinium Hybrid
Botanical name: Delphinium elatum
Common name:English Delphinium Hybrid
Comments/uses:
There are many varieties and types of D. elatum in common cultivation as well as probably over 500 other species growing in the wild. D.elatum is the plant usually thought of when the word "delphinium" is mentioned. This is the tall flowering type commonly seen in photographs of stately gardens.
Situation
Full sun preferred - successful in dappled shade but will need wide spacing. Delphiniums are very hardy and tolerant of frosts. They will stand and even benefit from winter freezing.
Shelter
Good permeable shelter (tall loose shrubs or small trees) is required.
Soil
Must be rich as delphinium are gross feeders. (Mulch and sheep manure work wonders). PH neutral 6.0 - 7.0 but successful over a wide range. Well drained, particularly in warm areas: they must not get very warm, very wet feet. Keep as cool as possible with thick mulch (sawdust also helps prevent slug and snail attack).
Planting
Plant in Spring and Autumn. Give each Delphinium ½ m²-1m² of ground. Wide spacing helps control height; with close spacing plants grow taller. Keep young plants moist.
Support
Staking is essential for best results. If grown in a bed grow through raised sheep netting or other framework. Properly supported delphiniums will stand a lot of wind. Don't plant right up against a tall wall - the wind will thrash them. Plant Maintenance
Cut each spike down to 5 cm above ground after flowering; reduce water, gradually increasing again when new growth begins. Cut down and tidy in early winter, put slug bait down & mulch. Start feeding again when new growth is 5-10 cm high.
Watering
Water well when in full leaf and growth is rapid. Do not over water when cut down after flowering but increase water again when new shoots are 5-8 cm high.
Diseases
Powdery mildew can be a problem and spraying with sulphur regularly, backed up with other fungicides e.g "Greenguard" in hot humid weather should keep them clean. If you use the same sprays as you do with roses you will get good results.
Pests
Slugs and snails are the only major pests - use Mesurol pellets to control these specially when plants are small and during winter.
Enjoyment
Sit and look at them as often as possible. If singing to them PLEASE SING IN TUNE or they wilt!!
Sources - These nurseries are mail order suppliers.
Most garden centres will have some forms in their
perennial section usually in spring and early summer.
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