Delphiniums
Delphiniums are a great addition to any garden and are synonymous with
the cottage garden style of gardening. If you are looking for plants
that will be suited to growing in the middle or back of borders
Delphiniums will suit that purpose perfectly. Tall flower spikes of
white, blue, purple or even yellow adorn beautiful cut foliage and add a
sense of height to borders.
How to grow
Delphiniums
are relatively easy plants to grow and each individual flower spike
will produce blooms over a period of two or three weeks. The plants in
this selection have been expertly grown and will offer the best start
possible to you and your garden. When plants are delivered you should
endeavor to plant them in to their final positions as soon as possible.
If you cannot plant immediately after delivery you should keep roots
moist and store plants in a cool and bright space until the can be moved
outdoors.
Position
Delphiniums grow best in full
sun but can also be grown in dappled or partial shade. As Delphiniums
flower on tall flower spikes they will require a degree of shelter from
nearby hedging, fences, screening or garden buildings. Flower spikes
will also require plant supports for added
strength.
Soil
A deep, well-drained, fertile and
moist soil is best when growing Delphiniums. You can improve soil by
digging it over with a garden fork or spade, incorporating plenty of
organic matter; well-rotted garden compost, manure or multi-purpose compost will
be fine. This will help to improve soil structure, drainage and water
retention.
Care
After planting your new
Delphiniums you should take care to water them well and maintain a
regular watering regime thereafter. As
hungry plants Delphiniums will also benefit from a mulch of well-rotted
manure after planting as this will help to feed plants and improve the
surrounding soil. Fertilise plants regularly with a good general fertilizer and an application of a liquid seaweed fertilizer
will also help improve plant vigor. Remove faded blooms and leaves and
add to the compost bin.
Top tip
Delphiniums
are prone to attack from slugs and snails and measures should be taken
to prevent this. A wide range of pest control supplies are available
for you to choose from.
