Delphiniums
Anne Jaeger
In my book, delphiniums are perfection. I mean, just look at that flower… er, those flowers. What you see isn’t just one flower it’s a tower of flowers on one tall (4 to 7 foot) spire. Sadly for us, the first flush of flowers is almost gone now. So, follow my advice and you’ll get one more burst of beauty this year and learn how to make cut delphiniums last longer, to boot.
To get that second (albeit, smaller) bloom, you’ve got to bite your lower lip hard to prevent visible quivering and then cut the stalks hard. If you cut the stems eight to 12 inches from the ground now, the plant will push up more flowers by summers end. Growing delphiniums is not for the faint at heart. But that’s not the end of the story. Garden author Tracy DiSabato-Aust says “delphiniums are not cold, wet or heat hardy; they are subject to a long list of disease and insect problems; they need to be staked, thinned, deadheaded and cutback for best performance; and they require summer fertilizer to maintain any vigor.” Perhaps delphiniums should come with a manufacturer’s warranty: “This plant will get tall and needs support it at all times. This plant may need plant food. This plant may be eaten to death by bugs or slugs. This plant may get hot and wilt if not watered. The lower leaves of this plant may get powdery mildew and fall off, leaving the plant looking marvelous from the knees up and ugly as sin from the knees down.” No warning can dissuade us.
Yes, delphiniums have “issues.” But there are ways to play to their weak spots. I’ve never seen a more gorgeous mass of delphiniums than in Old Germantown Gardens. It is the private Northwest Portland garden of Bruce Wakefield and Jerry Grossnickle. They have hundreds of delphiniums growing in an enormous stand, center stage in their garden. The stalks are as thick as sugar cane. Even so, this plant tortures poor Bruce Wakefield too “I have a soft spot in my heart for delphiniums. Despite my cursing them as they’re crashing to the ground in a strong wind or heavy rain. I do whatever I can to save them, they’re so elegant.” Just when Wakefield threatens to cry uncle, he borrows one of his favorite lines and stands tall against his delphiniums, after all, he says “You’re bigger than it is. You’re the one with the shovel.” Wakefield grows several different varieties and suggest we try Delphinium elatum “Foerster’s Hybrids.” The difference is striking in Wakefield’s garden, he bends down to show how “the stems are sturdier and they need less stalking.” The hybrids were developed in Germany by Karl Foerster to be rugged and more vigorous. I’m a believer. Wakefield’s seven foot tall spires stood straight almost without help, while the older delphiniums just steps away require dozens of sturdy supports. There’s another tip: slug bait. Don’t be a Pollyanna and just believe YOUR delphiniums won’t require a couple of applications of slug bait and something to lean on. Make yourself get out there and show ‘um some support.
In the largest part of the delphinium garden, Wakefield uses tall bamboo poles next to each spire, then he hides green garden plastic tape somewhere along the flower stem and ties or staples it together for strength. Wakefield says the real secret to growing gorgeous delphiniums is lots of water and tons of mulch. The delphinium garden gets about 8 inches of compost, that’s it. No more fertilizer.
One more trick you might like to try. Delpiniums make wonderful cut flowers. Unfortunately, they don’t last if you merely stick the stem in a vase. So, try this old florist trick to keep the flowers from wilting instantly. When you cut the stem, you’ll notice it is hollow inside. Using a water bottle or pitcher, fill the stem with clean, cool water until it bubbles out. Then plug the end of the delphinium stalk with a piece of cotton ball. Your cut flower will last twice as long.
