Delphinium gets its name from the Greek word “delphis,” which means dolphin.

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Spruce, Jan 19, 2019.

  1. Spruce

    Spruce Glad to be back .....

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    Hi All,

    Any one growing delphiniums ?

    Its my latest "must have " its deffinetley the diva of the border but put the time in and it pays rewards. I will put some photos on when I can remeber how do do it

    Spruce
     
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      Last edited: Jan 19, 2019
    • Verdun

      Verdun Passionate gardener

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      Hiya Spruce :)
      I grow quite a few delphiniums and, yes, the queen/diva of the borders esp in early summer.
      Dont like the pinks so stick to blues and the odd white. Last summer they had 3 good flowerings from late spring to late summer.
      I also grow some of the dwarf varieties.....Clivedon Beauty is the best of these I think....and they are prolific in their blooming. All summer long.
      I never really know until early spring which delphiniums survive the winter.
      Along with lupins the delphiniums are indispensable here:)
      If staked, one cane per stem or at least a trio around the clump, and slugs are watched out for, they will produce a magnificent effect
       
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      • Spruce

        Spruce Glad to be back .....

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        I joined the society last year .... I have been determind to grow a decent flower spike so I bought plants from Blackmore & Langdons delphiniums and another supplier in Summerset . Its the 90th year for the society also Prince Charles has just become the Patron in 2018.

        I have if they come through the winter ?

        Conspicuous Delphinium
        Guy Langdon Delphinium

        I will add the others when they pop up , but what I have found its difficult to find a lot of varieties for sale

        Spruce
         
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        • Verdun

          Verdun Passionate gardener

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          Look forward to your progress Spruce :)
           
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          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            I got a packet of mixed seed from the Society at their stand at RHS Wisley a few years ago. They were pretty simple to grow, I keep them down the allotment for cutting, they have been pretty simple to grow, they just need weeding every now and then, they look after themselves and are totally hardy (fingers crossed). They told me the more showy named varieties can be a bit more temperamental.
             
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            • 2nd_bassoon

              2nd_bassoon Super Gardener

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              I had no luck two years ago. Last year was better but I'm not convinced it's going to pull through winter for this year... I have the same problem with lupins though, so maybe flower spikes and I just don't get on :rolleyespink:
               
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              • CarolineL

                CarolineL Total Gardener

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                I have some seed grown dephiniums but they're a bit pot luck - mine weren't very clear colours. But I bought a plant of one of the Highlander double ones (Crystal delight I think) and it is wonderful - very double, not too tall (windy garden), quite reliable over last few years.
                 
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                • Loki

                  Loki Total Gardener

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                  Definitely in my top 3 favourites :wub2:. I have a few blue / purple ones scattered about but always seem to struggle with seeds :sad:
                  I've sown some giant Pacific mix today, new seeds so fingers crossed :fingers crossed:
                   
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                  • Perki

                    Perki Total Gardener

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                    One of the best , I like to call it the queen of the herbaceous border. Shouldn't really be loses them to the cold though , they are more than capable to survive any winter cold we've had, but saying that I lost 2 last year , yet I got one in the front garden which has been there for years, like most plants they come back if their happy.

                    Acontiums and Baptisa or good substitute for delphiniums and Lupins especially if you have slug problems
                     
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                    • Verdun

                      Verdun Passionate gardener

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                      Dont lose delphiniums through the cold here......they will succumb to wet though and slugs early in the season I think account for most of any losses. Mine prob last 3 or 4 years but regular cuttings are the solution I think :)
                      Baptisias are fantastic.....have 4 varieties here including the decadence varieties, viz., Dutch Chocolate and Lemon Meringue.:)
                       
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                      • longk

                        longk Total Gardener

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                        Some Delphinium species have been reclassified as Staphysagria so if you expand your search you might find a few more.

                        On a personal note I've never grown Delphinium as I prefer the its cousin Aconitum.
                         
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                        • KFF

                          KFF Total Gardener

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                          @longk , I'd have thought D. Nudicaule was up your street. It's gorgeous. I used to have a big clump of it.
                           
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                          • Spruce

                            Spruce Glad to be back .....

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                            The Highlander series is a new one been on the market about 3 years bred in Scotland so a reliable plant, trouble with seed is getting a good supplier www.larkspur-nursery.co.uk is a great place to buy seeds , I look forward to some photos later in the year

                            Spruce
                             
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                            • Spruce

                              Spruce Glad to be back .....

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                              DSCF1398.JPG

                              some of the delphs 2018
                               
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                              • Verdun

                                Verdun Passionate gardener

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                                Very nice Spruce :)
                                 
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