Larkspur

Larkspur (Delphinium) - Few plants contribute so much to the beauty of the garden as these fine plants of the Crowfoot order. There are in cultivation many species, both annual and perennial, but the most important are the tall hybrid perennials, of which there are many varieties with a wonderful range of lovely color. They are very valuable for their great variety in height, from 1 to 10 feet; for their greater variety in shades of color, which range from almost scarlet to pure white, from the palest and most chaste lavender up through every conceivable shade of blue to deep indigo; and for the variety of size and form of their individual blooms, some of which are single, some semidouble, and some perfectly double, and all set on spikes ranging from 1 to 6 feet in length. About a dozen species have given rise to the cultivated varieties, the chief species being D. grandiflorum, formosum, lasiostachyum, cheilanthum, elatum, and peregrinum.

The combinations in which they can be placed are numerous. They are splendid objects in various positions, and may be used in various ways—in the mixed border, in masses or groups in one or several colors, or associated with other flowering plants or with shrubs. Perennial Larkspurs thrive in almost any situation or soil; they are easily increased, and are quite hardy. A deep, friable loam, enriched with rotten manure, is a good soil for them, but they will grow well in a hot sandy soil if it be heavily manured and watered. Every three or four years they should be replanted and divided preferably in spring, just as they are starting into growth, or in summer; if it is done in summer, cut down the plants intended for division, and let them remain for a fortnight after flowering until they start afresh; then carefully divide and replant them, shading and watering until they are established. Late autumn division is not advisable. Delphiniums can be made to bloom for several months by continually cutting off the spikes immediately after they have done flowering. If the central spike be removed, the side shoots will flower, and by thus cutting off the old flowers before they form seeds we cause fresh shoots to issue from the base, and to keep up a succession of bloom. Another plan is to let the shoots remain intact until all have nearly done flowering, and then to cut the entire plant to the ground, when in about three weeks there will be a fresh bloom. In this case, however, to keep the plants from becoming exhausted, they must have a heavy dressing of manure or manure-water. Top-dressings keep the soil cool and moist, give the plants a healthier growth, increase the number, and improve the quality of the flowers.

The following is a selection of the good kinds:—Belladonna grandiflora, Blue King, Capri, China Blue, Conspicua, formosum, Lamatino, Moerheimi (valuable pure white), Mr J. S. Brunton, Persimmon, Queen Mary, Twertonia, and Royal Blue. Double Varieties.—Ampere, Col. Sir Wyndham Murray, Chantry Queen, Dusky Monarch, Elsie, Harry Smetham, James W. Kelway, King of Delphiniums, Lavanda, Le Danube, Lizzie Van Veen, Monarch of All, Mrs A. J. Watson, Mrs Colin MIver, Mrs H. Kaye, Mrs Shirley, Perfection, Queen Wilhelmina, Robert Cox, Rev. E. Lacelles, Statuaire Rude, The Alake, Willy OBreen, Walter T. Ware. The beautiful old double variety D. grandiflorum fl.-pl. is one of the most charming of border plants.

The best of the numerous perennial species distinct from the hybrids are: D. cashmerianum, with flowers nearly as large as those of D. formosum, and with stems about 15 inches in height. D. cashmerianum is well suited for the border or for a large rockery; in either case perfect drainage is essential, and this is best attained in rock garden culture. Its branches have a prostrate habit, apparently adapting it to such conditions. It is best increased from seed. D. cardinale is a beautiful species of tall growth, having bright scarlet flowers, like those of D. nudicaule. It blossoms later in summer, and continues longer in flower than D. nudicaule, owing in part to its slower development. It is a most desirable plant, and as hardy as D. nudicaule. Seedlings will probably not flower till the second season. In very damp soil it would be prudent in winter to protect the root with a hand-light or inverted pot. D. chinense is distinct from other Larkspurs, and is neat and rather dwarf in growth, having finely cut feathery foliage, and freely producing spikes of large blossoms, usually of a rich blue-purple, but sometimes white. It is a good perennial, is easily raised from seed, and continues to flower throughout the summer till late in autumn. It is suited for borders and beds. D. nudicaule has scarlet blossoms, a dwarf, compact, branching growth, a hardy constitution, and a free blooming habit, 1 to 3 feet high. The flowers are in loose spikes, each blossom being about 1 inch in length; the color varies from light scarlet to a shade verging closely on crimson, and when seen in the open air, especially in sunshine, dazzles the eye by its brilliancy. D. nudicaule is perfectly hardy, and commences growth so early that it may almost be termed a spring flower, but it may be had in bloom during several of the summer months, and is handsome for warm borders. Although somewhat apt to damp off on level ground, it is a perennial on raised ground, and keeps up a succession of bloom. Seed.

• Winter Squash Plants Photos
• Sugar Maple Tree Picture
• What Plants Grow in Winter

• Gardenia Plant Care
• Jasmine
• How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace
• Honeysuckle
• Maple Tree Diseases

• How to Arrange Flowers
• Winter Gardening Greenhouse
• Glossary
• index.php?title=Category:Perennials&from=Larkspur
• Deinanthe Coerulea