2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
For those who live far from warm seas and cannot admire friendly dolphins, God created a plant called "Delphinium" by botanists. True, the plant is not as friendly to living creatures as sea dolphins. A deadly poisonous sap runs through its "veins", instantly paralyzing a flying bird, overtaken by a hunter's arrow smeared with juice
Rod Delphinium
More than four hundred herbaceous plants are in the genus Delphinium. Annuals and perennials form large inflorescences, for the shape of which, according to one version, they were given this name. Paniculate or cluster inflorescences, consisting of simple or double flowers of different shades (purple, blue, blue), are crowned with tall strong peduncles.
The Russians call the plant by other names. The older name sounds like Shpornik, for the small spur at the upper flower petal, and the other name - Larkspur, tells about the use of the plant in the treatment of wounds and human bones.
The alkaloid contained in all parts of the plant turns the plant into a dangerous for humans, as it paralyzes the nervous system. Therefore, when inviting him to your flower garden, take precautions.
Varieties
•
Delphinium hybrid (Delphinium x hybridum) is the most popular species in culture, bred by crossing different natural species. The straight, hollow stem, rising to a height of one to two meters, is covered with palmate-finger-dissected rounded leaves. The color of the perianth can be white, pink, lilac, blue, purple, blue. The flowers are simple or double, the upper petal is equipped with a spur.
•
Delphinium high (Delphinium elatum) is a perennial that grows up to 70 cm in height. The plant has blue flowers and deeply dissected leaves. Hybrids from crossing the tall delphinium with the large-flowered delphinium, popular with gardeners, have been bred. Hybrids, depending on the height of the plant, are divided into tall (up to 2 m), medium-sized (1.7 m), undersized (1.5 m).
•
Delphinium large-flowered (Delphinium grandiflorum) is a plant that grows up to two meters in height. Used for crossing with other species.
•
Field delphinium (Delphinium consolida) is an annual growing up to a meter in height.
Growing
Delphinium can grow in one place for several years, being an adornment of any type of flower garden. The inflorescences are used for cutting into bouquets.
Loamy soils with neutral acidity are suitable for him. Before planting the plant, humus and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are added to the soil, continuing mineral fertilizing during the growing season. It requires constant loosening of the soil and periodic mulching with compost and peat. Moderate regular watering is needed in the spring and summer.
In order for the flowering to be abundant, weak shoots are removed in the spring, or cuttings are made from them for propagation. Perennials are cut at the root for the winter. Delphinium is resistant to low and high temperatures.
Even a light partial shade for a delphinium is unacceptable, only a sunny place is suitable. Although the tall stem is quite strong, strong winds are dangerous to the plant, so it is advisable to provide them with reliable support.
To maintain the appearance, wilted inflorescences are removed.
Reproduction
Delphinium is ready for any kind of reproduction. Sowing seeds can be carried out at different times, depending on the desire for the timing of flowering. If it is desirable to see flowering in the year of sowing, then the seeds should be sown in early spring. Otherwise, sowing can be carried out later, or even before winter.
Weak spring or autumn shoots are used for cuttings. The division of the bush is carried out in the spring.
Enemies of the Delphinium
Oddly enough, but the juice paralyzing a flying bird does not frighten small pests at all. Thrips, aphids, snails and other leaf-eating insects, as well as carriers of diseases, microscopic fungi, are attacking the Delphinium in a friendly crowd. Therefore, human help is required to protect the plant from enemies.
Recommended:
5 Tips For A Lush Peony Bloom
Luxurious bushes covered with inflorescence caps are the dream of every summer resident. If your peonies do not bloom well, you need to rejuvenate the bush or use some tricks. I offer 5 tips for caring for peonies
Lush Carnation
Lush carnation is one of the plants of the family called cloves, in Latin the name of this plant will sound like this: Diantus superbus L. As for the Latin name of the family of the lush carnation, in Latin it will be like this: Caryophyllaceae Juss.
Lush Nemesia
Lush nemesia (lat.Nemesia floribunda) - a representative of the genus Nemesia of the Norichnikov family. It is not a common species, although it has high decorative properties. It is suitable for all types of flower beds, but looks especially good when paired with wildflowers in a rustic flower garden.
Phlox - How To Grow A Lush Bush
One sprig of phlox is a whole bunch! But only if you manage to grow lush bushes. And of course, such a plant is a gorgeous decoration of a personal plot. Therefore, let's talk about how to grow and care for phlox, so that the flower bed does not disappoint and gives only a great mood
Lush Bloom Of Photinia
Evergreen or deciduous, thermophilic and frost-resistant trees and shrubs of the genus Fotinia give a lush snow-white bloom in late spring - early summer. Leaves falling for the winter wear a bright red outfit in the fall
