delphs - conditions
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: delphs - conditions
- From: A* L*
- Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 07:49:10 -0800
I'm surprised that delphs would not do well in alkaline soil,
since most references say that's what they prefer, and what I've
got. What they do like is very rich soil, high in nitrogen
(higher than is good for most other perennials) and consistent
moisture but great drainage. I've had fairly good luck amending soil
with lots of humus, a rich balanced fertilizer, and digging in scoops
of Pro-Mix to improve drainage even more than what my already sandy
soil provides. The hot humid summer weather here has been the greatest
challenge, so I try for afternoon shade (which increases the need
for staking, but that's generally needed anyway for the tall ones).
I can usually get three years from good delph plants if we don't
have extreme heat. I've got a dozen baby plants out in the veggie
bed now, grown from seed from Dowdswell in NZ this fall (left over
from this year's crop). I'll be eagerly watching to see how they
come through the winter and perform next summer. But I agree, they're
a lot of trouble and I just skip some years. Glorious plants, though.
I had a white one (about 3 feet)in a large container two years ago that
was spectacular, with some deep blue trailing lobelia around it.
Anne - Chicago
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
