What is the common name for delphinium Elatum?
Beautiful Delphinium elatum is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, commonly known as alpine delphinium, guardian lavender or candle larkspur. It is native to temperate Asia and Europe. Most are perennial, but annual varieties are also available. Delphiniums are grown for their huge spikes of showy flowers in summer above mounds of dark green foliage. The common name of ‘larkspur’ is usually used to refer to annual varieties.Derived from the Greek word delphis, meaning dolphin, delphinium are also commonly known as larkspur. Other names include Lark’s Heel, Lark’s Claw and Knight’s Spur.
Are larkspur and delphinium the same plant?
A: The two plants look similar, but the answer is, no, in fact they are different species, but they are related. Delphinium tends to be a perennial and larkspur is an annual that will reseed, making it appear as if it may be a perennial. Leaf Shape: Delphiniums have deeply lobed, palmate leaves, while larkspurs have more finely divided leaves. Height: Delphiniums tend to be taller, with some varieties reaching up to six feet tall (180 cm). Larkspurs typically range from two to four feet tall (60-120 cm).Delphinium elatum is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, known by the common names alpine delphinium, bee larkspur, or candle larkspur.Delphiniums are typically more robust perennials, while Larkspurs are often annuals. The main botanical difference between Delphinium and Larkspur lies in their genus. Delphiniums belong to the Delphinium genus, while Larkspurs are part of the Consolida genus.
What is the difference between delphinium Elatum and Belladonna?
Delphinium (Belladonna Group) Has loose, branching flower spikes, unlike the taller, denser spikes of the Elatum delphiniums, but is easier to grow and longer lived. Grow delphiniums in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Delphiniums struggle in wet winter soil, so aid drainage by adding grit to the planting hole if you have heavy soil. Protect emerging shoots from slugs in spring and stake as soon as they start to grow. Feed weekly with a high potash fertiliser.Do they need a lot of water? Yes, newly planted Delphiniums need watering regularly during their first summer to keep the soil around the roots moist. Water every few days if the weather is hot and dry.Delphinium The downside, though, is that they only bloom for a few weeks, last for only a few years, and require some serious maintenance in the meantime. Delphiniums need well-draining soil, cool summer temperatures, consistent moisture but not too much humidity, and good air flow in order to thrive.Delphiniums grown in pots may require more frequent watering and fertilization than those grown in the ground. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, so it’s important to monitor their environment and protect them from extreme heat or cold.Positioning — all delphiniums need full sun to perform well. Tall perennial types also need a sheltered spot, out of strong winds. They are usually best at the back of borders or grouped with other large plants such as ornamental grasses.
What is the lifespan of a delphinium Elatum?
Considered a short-lived perennial, its lifespan ranges from 3 to 5 years. More information on Delphinium. Delphiniums are hardy perennials so can survive the winter and return the following year. They can be damaged by waterlogged soil – if delphiniums sit wet in their dormant winter season, they can die.Delphiniums spread rapidly and do not like crowding, so choose a container large enough to hold a plant at least twice the size with plenty of drainage holes. Avoid materials like clay or terracotta that dry out quickly.Fertilization: Delphiniums are moderate feeders, and applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production. A phosphorus-rich fertilizer can promote robust flowering.Delphiniums plants are expensive to buy and it is worth trying to grow them from seed as they germinate easily and grow quickly into sturdy plants.