Re: Larkspur
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Larkspur
- From: L*@aol.com
- Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1998 01:44:11 EDT
Deb,
I asume you are referring to the annual Larkspur (genus Consolida) and not the
perennial genus Delphimium (which is also sometimes called Larkspur). If you
are trying to grow Consolida your problem may be summer heat. They thrive in
cool conditions and where summers are warm do best in light shade. Is that
perhaps why your plants are fading away each year? You might want to see if
they do better in light shade.
Or consider growing Delphiniums instead. The species Delphiniums look a lot
like Consolida, and you don't have to replant them each year since they are
perennials. They have a short bloom period, but mine rebloom when deadheaded.
You can extend the growing season by planting varieties with different bloom
times. There is a native Delphinium (D. exaltatum, called Tall Larkspur) here
that blooms in July and August and withstands hot Missouri summers. That
planted along with some June-blooming species Delphiniums gives a long season
in my garden. Then there are the hybrids with enormous flowers if you really
want a show. I love them all!
Delphiniums like an organic, slightly alkaline soil and needs lots of
fertilizing. But if you feed them and deadhead them they don't cause any more
trouble at all, and
they are such a joy they are worth the effort.
--Janis
Zone 6
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