: Why do seem to Unfortunately, the Giant Pacific all health of the . Each year How do you keep them from die out so quickly after a few delphiniums have been the most additional organic nutrients should falling over or breaking? years when other perennials keep commonly sold delphiniums at be added in the spring around the Staking and support of the getting bigger and stronger? garden centres. These delphini- plant, not on top of crown where blooms is absolutely necessary. Queen of There are hundreds of differ- ums were never bred for hardiness the new shoots appear. This should be done in early May ent varieties of delphinium spe- or longevity. Savvy gardeners are as the delphinium is growing. We cies. As a result of hybridization now learning that the delphinium How do you get such fantastic use a grid plant support system Perennials of the wild , we are now elatum variety lives up to its nick- delphiniums at Plant Paradise? that holds each bloom individu- more commonly familiar with the name, “queen of the perennial gar- We also feed our perennials a ally and we move it up the plant modern, cultivated, taller variet- den.” This variety has proven its liquid, certified organic solution as it grows. It’s best not to plant An Escarpment Views Interview with Lorraine Roberts ies of either the Giant Pacific or longevity and hardiness. It grows called “Orgunique.” We also have delphiniums next to a wall, as the the Delphinium elatum strains in areas that have a temperature more growth and development wind will shred them. Lorraine and Robb Roberts own and run Plant Paradise Country Gardens of Caledon. that we see in today’s gardens. range from minus-35 degrees Cel- when Orgunique is watered into sius in winter to 35 degrees Celsius the hole upon planting, compared What should we do when the in summer. to when we use water that contains flowers finish? no nutrients. Delphiniums have The length of the bloom period How should we care for relatively shallow roots so regular is usually about four to six weeks. delphiniums? watering may be necessary dur- They may bloom again in the fall Delphiniums require staking and ing the growing season if it hasn’t if the bloom stems are cut down some proper care. The delphinium rained in a long time. Watering right after the plant has finished elatum can grow for well also depends on your soil condi- flowering. Let the leaf foliage die over 10 years, but as with most tions and if you have properly back naturally, unless there are perennials, will eventually require amended your soil when you ini- signs of new growth. In this case dividing to continue to grow suc- tially planted them. Overwatering remove all the old foliage, which cessfully. This is easily done in early and being planted in waterlogged will allow all the energy to be di- spring when there are only a couple soil will cause the crown and the rected towards the new growth inches of new growth. Dig up the roots to rot. Young, new and it will then encourage re- whole plant, wash off the roots and should always be kept moist. bloom in the fall. After frost, cut divide it into healthy sections with back and remove all the foliage. a sharp knife. How much room and sun do they need? Are there any pests to be How should we plant them? The modern delphinium elatum concerned about? To be healthy, delphiniums need can usually grow to a height of Slugs and snails are the most rich, organic, moist and well- six feet and a width of three feet. common pests to affect del- drained soil. If the soil is not well Delphiniums require at least half a phiniums and of course many drained they will get crown rot. If day of sun but the best location to other plants in the garden. They they are too dry they will not grow plant them in is full sun. They are can cause serious damage to A massive or bloom properly and they will be well suited to large or small gar- new shoots and may even de- border with a berm more susceptible to powdery mil- dens. Some gardeners with small stroy new plants. There are a takes delphiniums to dew. Therefore, on initial planting, gardens think they can only grow few methods for control. At all spectacular heights. mix composted horse or cow ma- small plants. This would be unfor- times, keep your garden free of nure into the soil to a depth of 12 tunate, because the delphinium decomposing debris where slugs inches. Adding mycorrhizal fungi gives a small garden height, which are able to find shelter. An envi- Delphiniums in a range of colours when planting will substantially aid gives it the illusion of a larger gar- ronmentally safe and non-toxic fascinate with their centre “bees.” in greater root growth and the over- den without sacrificing space. continued on page 28

Lorraine and Robb Roberts host a Delphinium Day every All shades from deep purple to light azure make summer at Plant Paradise Country Gardens in Caledon. The stately “queen of perennials” reigns supreme. Display gardens at Plant Paradise provoke awe and inspiration. delphiniums a necessity for a blue garden.

Escarpment Views 8 ❂ Summer 2010 ❂ Summer 2010 9 Escarpment Views Delphinium: Queen of Perennials

continued from page 9 gave them their name. The Greeks believed the unopened buds re- solution would be to use slug and sembled miniature dolphins. snail bait that contains iron phos- phate, such as Safer’s slug and snail Why bother with delphiniums product. Try to provide shelter and if they’re so much work? habitat for toads in your garden. Almost all plants require some One toad will eat 10,000 garden care and maintenance and the pests in one season including slugs delphinium elatums are no excep- and snails. tion, but their majestic beauty will add a touch of drama and elegance Where do delphiniums to any garden. originate from? Delphiniums have been grown for How do you describe Plant hundreds of years and there are ref- Paradise Country Gardens? erences to them in early writings as It’s a unique organic perennial far back as the first century A.D., nursery, garden centre and tourist but it was the ancient Greeks who destination located in the Cale- don Hills on 24 acres of managed Delphinium Day forest. Natural and formal peren- July 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. nial display gardens of continuous Display gardens with delphiniums, bloom are presented in harmony gourmet lunch, a complimentary with the picturesque Oak Ridges plant & horticultural speakers Moraine. It’s dedicated to promot- Charlie Dobbin & Christine Gill. ing organic gardening as a way to Tickets & details: heal the planet by providing visi- www.plantparadise.ca tors with an inspirational and edu- or call 905 880 9090 cational experience that connects them to the natural world. EV

Escarpment Views 28 ❂ Summer 2010