Delphinium gets its name from the Greek word “delphis,” which means dolphin.

Hi All,

Any one growing delphiniums ?

Its my latest "must have " its deffinetley the diva of the border but put the time in and it pays rewards. I will put some photos on when I can remeber how do do it

Spruce

 

Hiya Spruce
I grow quite a few delphiniums and, yes, the queen/diva of the borders esp in early summer.
Dont like the pinks so stick to blues and the odd white. Last summer they had 3 good flowerings from late spring to late summer.
I also grow some of the dwarf varieties.....Clivedon Beauty is the best of these I think....and they are prolific in their blooming. All summer long.
I never really know until early spring which delphiniums survive the winter.
Along with lupins the delphiniums are indispensable here
If staked, one cane per stem or at least a trio around the clump, and slugs are watched out for, they will produce a magnificent effect

 

I joined the society last year .... I have been determind to grow a decent flower spike so I bought plants from Blackmore & Langdons delphiniums and another supplier in Summerset . Its the 90th year for the society also Prince Charles has just become the Patron in 2018.

I have if they come through the winter ?

Conspicuous Delphinium
Guy Langdon Delphinium

I will add the others when they pop up , but what I have found its difficult to find a lot of varieties for sale

Spruce

 

Look forward to your progress Spruce

 

I had no luck two years ago. Last year was better but I'm not convinced it's going to pull through winter for this year... I have the same problem with lupins though, so maybe flower spikes and I just don't get on

 

I have some seed grown dephiniums but they're a bit pot luck - mine weren't very clear colours. But I bought a plant of one of the Highlander double ones (Crystal delight I think) and it is wonderful - very double, not too tall (windy garden), quite reliable over last few years.

 

Definitely in my top 3 favourites . I have a few blue / purple ones scattered about but always seem to struggle with seeds
I've sown some giant Pacific mix today, new seeds so fingers crossed

 

One of the best , I like to call it the queen of the herbaceous border. Shouldn't really be loses them to the cold though , they are more than capable to survive any winter cold we've had, but saying that I lost 2 last year , yet I got one in the front garden which has been there for years, like most plants they come back if their happy.

Acontiums and Baptisa or good substitute for delphiniums and Lupins especially if you have slug problems

 

Dont lose delphiniums through the cold here......they will succumb to wet though and slugs early in the season I think account for most of any losses. Mine prob last 3 or 4 years but regular cuttings are the solution I think
Baptisias are fantastic.....have 4 varieties here including the decadence varieties, viz., Dutch Chocolate and Lemon Meringue.

 

Some Delphinium species have been reclassified as Staphysagria so if you expand your search you might find a few more.

On a personal note I've never grown Delphinium as I prefer the its cousin Aconitum.

 

@longk , I'd have thought D. Nudicaule was up your street. It's gorgeous. I used to have a big clump of it.

 

The Highlander series is a new one been on the market about 3 years bred in Scotland so a reliable plant, trouble with seed is getting a good supplier www.larkspur-nursery.co.uk is a great place to buy seeds , I look forward to some photos later in the year

Spruce

 

some of the delphs 2018

 

Very nice Spruce