HORTICULTURE / JULY

       Julie Barnes

                                                            Delphiniums are perennials grown for their showy spikes of colorful summer flowers in gorgeous
shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. They are popular in cottage-style gardens and
cutting gardens.
Delphiniums are a favorite of many gardeners, but can sometimes be a challenge. They prefer            
moist, cool summers and do not fare well in hot, dry weather. The plants also dislike sudden wind
or rain.
Except for the dwarf perennials, most delphiniums need staking.
PLANTING
• Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade, with shelter from strong winds.
• Plant in the spring and prepare the soil by mixing in 2 to 4 inches of compost.
• Delphinium is a genus consisting of over 300 species—some are annuals, others are
biennials or perennials. Some grow easily from seed, others don’t.
• Dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant’s container. When planting, ensure that the top
of the root ball is level with the soil.
• In the spring, broadcast lime, wood ashes, or a mixture of the two over this alkaline-loving
perennial.
The Farmer’s Almanac