Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Delphinium elatum or English Larkspur

The genus Delphinium, family Ranunculaceae, includes 200 species of annual and perennial plants native to the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are: Delphinium elatum, Delphinium grandiflorum, Delphinium zalil, Delphinium cardinale, Delphinium ajacis, Delphinium consolida, Delphinium staphisagria.

Common names: English Larkspur, Candle larkspur, Alpine delphinium, Larkspur. This species is native to Europe and Asia.

They are perennial herbaceous plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. They have alternate palm-shaped or incised-laciniate leaves. The most interesting are the flowers that appear in spikes and have a spur on the back; They can be blue, pink, red, purple, or yellow. They bloom in spring.

They are used in pots, in borders and in groups in the garden. They are also used as a cut flower.

The Delphinium elatum is a plant for a temperate-cold climate (ideal for English-type gardens) that needs high humidity and little heat; cultivate in full sun exposure (in mountain areas) or in semi-shade (if the heat is more intense). They are not easy to grow plants and it is not recommended to grow them in very hot and dry climates, as well as in cities because they do not like pollution. They are ideal for mountain regions or next to lakes and forests.

The soil should be acidic, with 1/2 garden substrate, 1/4 peat or leaf mulch, and 1/4 compost. Protect the base of the plant with dry leaves so that the humidity stays longer.

Water frequently but without flooding the substrate. It is important that the soil is always moist.

Prune flower spikes the first year and remove some flowers the following year. In this way the plant is strengthened and in the following seasons it will produce more flowers. If they are used as cut flowers, they should be collected when the lower buds have not opened.

Fertilize with mineral fertilizer (potassium sulfate) when the buds appear.

The worst enemies are lack of humidity and excessive heat.

They propagate by seeds sown in late winter in a warm seedbed or by cuttings in spring. They are not simple procedures; It's advisable to buy them in plant stores or garden centers.

Images of the plant Delphinium elatum or English Larkspur