GARDENING : Vertical Reality: Delphinium Follows Straight and Narrow

Delphinium: The Elegant Flower for Your Garden

Few flowers lend an elegant presence to the garden like the delphinium. This tall, stately plant has stalks covered with flower spikes that come in various colors, including lavender, pink, violet, purple, red, yellow, and white.

Not only are delphiniums stunning, but their blossoms also attract plenty of birds, making them a great addition to any garden.

Now is the time to plant this elegant perennial. Delphiniums planted in December will develop a strong root system over winter and bloom vigorously by April and through August, said Susan Kanno, sales associate and color buyer at Armstrong Garden Center in Santa Ana.

Delphiniums are available in six-packs, 4-inch pots, and gallon containers at local nurseries, or you can purchase them through mail-order catalogs.

Common Varieties of Delphiniums

There are many varieties of colors and sizes to choose from. Some common types include:

  • Pacific Giants: These tall delphiniums can grow up to 8 feet and make great cut flowers. They are mostly blue, but can also be found in white, purple, lavender, and pink. Be sure to stake them once they reach 2 feet tall.
  • Magic Fountains: A shorter variety growing to 2-2.5 feet, available in blue, pink, and violet.
  • Chinese Delphinium: A dwarf variety that thrives in containers, growing up to 1 foot. It has blue flowers with serrated foliage resembling lace.

Tips for Growing Delphiniums

To successfully grow delphiniums, Kanno suggests keeping the following tips in mind:

  • Plant in Groups: Delphiniums are tall, narrow plants that look best when planted in groups or clusters of three or six. Plant them in a sunny spot and avoid setting them in a straight line.
  • Soil Requirements: Provide fertile, loose, well-draining soil. Amend with compost or planter mix when planting.
  • Correct Planting Depth: Plant delphiniums at the same level as the root ball, being careful not to cover the root crown.
  • Regular Fertilizing: Fertilize at planting and then regularly with a balanced organic fertilizer like 5-5-5 or 10-10-10.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch in winter and spring to keep roots warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
  • Watering: Water delphiniums regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Do not let them dry out.
  • Protect from Snails: Delphiniums are a favorite for snails and slugs, so put out snail bait.
  • Post-Bloom Care: After flowering, cut the flower spikes in half and leave a hollow stem to encourage new growth. Once the foliage looks sturdy, completely cut off the old stems.

Where to Purchase Delphiniums

Delphiniums can be purchased through various catalog companies:

  • Park Seed Co.: 800-845-3369. Carries seeds and plants.
  • Wayside Gardens: 800-845-1124. Carries plants only.
  • W. Atlee Burpee & Co.: 800-888-1447. Carries both plants and seeds.

December Planting List

Although the holidays may be on your mind, it’s still a great time for gardening. Here are some flowers and vegetables that can be planted in December:

Flowers from Seed or Starter Plants:

  • African Daisy
  • Alyssum
  • Calendula
  • Candytuft
  • Carnation
  • Cyclamen
  • Delphinium
  • English Daisy
  • Foxglove
  • Hollyhock
  • Iceland Poppy
  • Larkspur
  • Pansy
  • Penstemon
  • Primula
  • Shasta Daisy
  • Snapdragon
  • Stock
  • Viola

Vegetables from Seed or Starter Plants:

  • Artichoke
  • Arugula
  • Beet
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Carrot
  • Celery
  • Endive
  • Garlic
  • Kale
  • Kohlrabi
  • Lettuce
  • Mustard Greens
  • Onion
  • Parsley
  • Peas
  • Radishes
  • Spinach
  • Swiss Chard
  • Turnip

Researched by Julie Bawden-Davis / For The Times

Julie Bawden-Davis

Julie Bawden-Davis is a bestselling journalist, novelist, blogger, and YouTuber. A prolific author, Julie writes in several genres. She enjoys creating page-turning suspense served up with a dose of romance, garden books that turn any brown thumb green, and spiritual books meant to enlighten and inspire. Widely published, Julie has written 45 books and more than 4,000 articles for a wide variety of national and international publications. She lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. Julie gains inspiration from being surrounded by plants when she writes.