Delphinium Days

There are few perennials as stately and showstopping as the delphinium.  This is the Delphinium elatum and subsequent cultivars which are the six foot plus delphiniums.  These are a staple in many English borders.  I say this knowing full well that English borders don’t always translate well to other parts of the world but if they do work at all in the U.S.A.,  it is in New England or, perhaps the northwestern U. S.  I have found that one of the chief problems with delphiniums available to gardeners, both seed and potted plants, is their tendency to be shortlived.  Much breeding has been done in the past century and many varieties such as the ‘Pacific Giant’ series are more annual than perennial.  There are over three hundred species of delphinium and there seems to be as many named cultivars, making choices difficult.  Seven years ago I sent for seed from the Royal Delphinium Society. The seed was expensive.

Given that and my tendency toward inattentiveness where seedlings are concerned, I gave the seeds to a grower friend who grew them on and gave me some plants in exchange for selling the rest of the seedlings.  I have one plant which is sited in full sun and well drained soil which has bloomed consistently for the past seven years.  It tops off at six and a half feet tall and is a rich, deep, royal purple. I have to believe that this seed was superior to most of the varieties which are more easily available in the seed racks and perennial benches.

There are a few ‘must dos’ with delphiniums. The primary one that I have learned is that delphiniums should be staked. Should is the operative word here.  As gardeners we all try to find the time to get all the basic chores done but some, inevitably, fall by the wayside. I have staked this plant in the past but for the last few years it has flowered on thick stalks which seem so very sturdy when they are developing. They are sturdy until the flowers open from the bottom of the spike upward to the last dancing dolphin bud.  The volume of the flowers can catch the wind and the rain of a sudden thunderstorm and in just a few moments of unbridled nature’s passion, those six foot spikes bend and break along with one’s heart. Heartbreak which could be avoided.

Last year the delphiniums looked like this and this year the gardener has once again been taught a lesson as the delphinium takes the fall. 

The delphinium received its name from the Greek word delphis which means dolphin. The delphinium flower has a characteristic spur on the back of the flower and flower bud which does look a bit like a swimming dolphin or a school of dolphins, especially if one squints.

If you have ever seen rows of delphiniums such as these in the trial gardens at Wisley in England, Wisley Trial Gardensyou will be unable to resist the urge to try a few in your border.  Site them in an area of full sun, rich, well drained soil, and out of reach of strong winds.  It is important to site the plants correctly as established plants do not transplant easily.  Delphiniums do prefer neutral pH but they will tolerate slight variations from neutral.  Compost is a great addition to the planting area as delphiniums are heavy feeders. 

Do you have delphiniums in your garden?  I am currently trying to devise a better staking method than bamboo stakes and string which always looks unsightly.  If you have a better staking method to share,  please share it here.