Delphinium Kashmir

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Delphinium cashmerianum - flowering perennial; a representative of the genus Delphinium of the Buttercup family. Does not apply to common types. Suitable for decorating alpine slides, rockeries and ridges due to dwarf growth. This species is also found in nature. It grows in the mountainous regions of India, as well as on the territory of Kashmir, a disputed area located on the Indian subcontinent and bordering Afghanistan, the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh (India) and Pakistan.

Characteristics of culture

The Kashmir delphinium is represented by perennial herbaceous plants not exceeding 40 cm in height. Also in culture there are specimens up to 20 cm in height, they are used to decorate rocky gardens - a popular trend now used by gardeners to make gardens unusual and beautiful. The species in question is rather unusual in structure, and differs somewhat from other representatives of the genus. It is equipped with a rounded five-part foliage that has jagged edges.

The stems of the plant are simple, straight, less often branched, pubescence is present, but insignificant. The rhizome of the Kashmir delphinium is horizontal, individual roots go deep into the soil, from where they independently extract the moisture required for normal development, this explains the drought-resistant properties of the culture. Flowers are no less attractive, they reach 4-5 cm in diameter, can have violet, blue-violet and light violet color, always equipped with a black eye, which gives them a zest. The flowers, in turn, are collected in multi-flowered corymbose inflorescences, as a rule, they contain 10-15 flowers.

The flowering of the Kashmir delphinium is observed in summer, to be more precise in June - July, the exact timing depends on the thoroughness of care and climatic conditions. On sale you can find several garden forms and varieties of the Kashmir delphinium, they, by the way, are white in color. These varieties include Album. This is one of the most common varieties that go well with other types of delphiniums and other flower crops. By the way, the Kashmir delphinium belongs to the category of unpretentious plants, its cultivation is subject to even a novice gardener.

The subtleties of cultivation

So, despite the unpretentiousness of the Kashmir delphinium, it is recommended to grow it on sandy loam and loamy, nutritious, drained, moderately moist, moisture and air permeable soils with a neutral pH reaction. Cultivation on waterlogged, poor, dry, acidic, waterlogged and saline soils is not encouraged. In such areas, the plants will feel defective, moreover, they will lag behind in growth and bloom poorly, or even die from the invasion of a huge number of pests and disease. And by the way, both those and others quite often bother the culture, especially at a time of unfavorable environmental conditions.

Among the diseases that pose a danger to the Kashmir delphinium, ring spot should be noted. It manifests itself in the form of yellow or brown spots that form on the foliage, which subsequently lead to drying out and dropping. In this case, the plants are lagging behind in growth. And it is almost impossible to fight this disease, it is recommended to remove infected bushes, otherwise the epidemic cannot be avoided. It is impossible not to mention the disease, called black spot, it manifests itself with prolonged standing of wet weather or excessive moisture. And the main method of fighting the disease is prevention.

Of the pests for the Kashmir delphinium, slugs are dangerous. In the fight against them, lime is effective, as well as phosphorus fertilizers, which in any case must be applied three times per season as a top dressing, which ensures active growth and abundance of flowering. Aphids can also settle on plants. It leads to curling and drying of the leaves. To combat it, you can use a soap solution or a decoction of tobacco dust. It is possible to collect aphids by hand, but this method is quite time consuming.

To keep plants safe from pests and diseases, it is very important to provide them with careful and regular care. And one of the main procedures in this matter is watering. It is carried out regularly, but in moderation. Plants are negative about drought, they can endure one or two days, since the roots of the species in question are able to extract moisture from deep soil layers. But it is better not to allow overdrying. And further! Watering the Kashmir delphinium should be at the very root, water should not get on the root collar.

Feeding is considered an equally important procedure for the Kashmir delphinium. As already mentioned, it is necessary for culture, and at least three times per season. The first (in early spring) is carried out using superphosphate, potassium chloride, ammonium nitrate and rotted organic matter (compost or humus), the second at the time of bud formation - with superphosphate and potassium nitrate, the third - similar to the first, it is carried out immediately after flowering. Otherwise, caring for a crop is no different from agricultural technology for other flower crops.