Taking a cutting from delphiniums in order to grow a new plant is one way of propagating delphiniums and is probably my favourite way to propagate delphiniums but it’s not the only way. (See Growing delphiniums from seed for another way) but I also like to divide them every 3 years which I cover in this guide in more detail. Growing delphiniums from cuttings takes some attention to detail. In this guide below though, I show you how to take…
Delphinium problems include several fungal diseases, bacterial problems, viruses, and infestations of pests and other bugs. Unfortunately, once infected, many of these plants can’t be saved. Personally, I have found that the most common problems are probably slugs and snails in spring that will demolish fresh growth. I usually use slug traps but you can also use organic slug pellets. I have also had issues with powdery mildew. Usually, I spray with a fungicide as soon as I notice mildew…
You need to start in late autumn to prepare to keep your delphiniums over winter. Your preparation tasks include cleaning your garden, watering the plants and adding mulch. I will admit, for most people, you could probably do nothing but cut the dead stalks back to an inch above the ground and they will survive. However, you might as well give them the best chances and keeping delphiniums over winter is also about preventing pests and diseases which is why…
Your delphinium leaves turning yellow and brown may be due to quite a few causes. These include fungal infections, bacteria, infestation of bugs and other insects, and poor location, growing conditions and inadequate care. Here are the most common causes for you to check out. Growing conditions and care Delphiniums need moist but well-drained soil in which to thrive. The main environmental cause of yellow leaves on this plant is too much water. Is your plant sitting in water-logged soil?…
You need to do some detective work to figure out which of several issues are why your delphiniums are not flowering. I give the main reasons here and guide you in what to look for to establish the main cause. in general, they either just need a little time to establish (usually the first year of planting), they’re not getting enough sunshine (they need full sun) and another common one is overfeeding with nitrogen which encourages lots of leafy growth…
Following on from my guide on how to grow and care for delphiniums, something that is often overlooked until it’s too late is that delphiniums and peonies are tall plants, growing to about 2m in height. They need staking to prevent them from toppling over if they become top heavy. This also prevents them from bending and even breaking in medium to strong winds and rains. You have several options as to how to stake your plants. Height of stakes…
Following on from my guide on how to take delphinium cuttings and how to grow and care for delphiniums, the best time to divide a delphinium is in early spring. Dividing the plant lets you plant each new section separately and so provides you with more plants and blooms plus the original plant gets a chance to put on a show again as they can become tired and less productive if just left as they become congested. Prepare the holes…
I generally cut back and prune my own delphiniums in the autumn once the plant has finished blooming. However, deadheading the blooms throughout the growing season can often result in the second wave of flowers in late summer so I always try my best to promote that second flush of blooms. Deadheading Although delphiniums bloom for only a few months, you can extend this period by removing the flowers once they start to die off. I do this periodically through…
To grow conifers in pots is a good solution if you need to move them around because of a lack of sun or cold conditions. They also look good in containers standing on either side of your front door. Here’s how to successfully grow conifers in pots. Plus I list and describe five dwarf conifers that grow well this way. Grow conifers in pots Container The pot or container that you choose to plant your conifer in should be at…
Leylandii roots’ spread Leylandii roots are shallow and don’t grow deeply, even though the trees may grow to 18m to 21m in height. The roots grow and remain in the top 60cm of the soil, and maybe even shallower in clay soil. The spread of the roots is proportional to the height of the tree. If you plan on using leylandii as a hedge, then the roots won’t spread too far. But leylandii roots often extend out further that the…