The popular delphinium grows - and flowers very magnificently - in numerous ornamental and cottage gardens. The perennial, up to two meters high, is a wonderful eye-catcher in a colorfully designed perennial bed. Larkspur (lat. Delphinium) is perennial to just one to two years old, depending on the variety, but can be very easily propagated by seeds or vegetatively.
Most delphinium species are perennial, but not very long-lived
Lifespan depends on the variety
The specific lifespan of the individual delphiniums depends on the specific type and variety. While the wild forms of field and field larkspur and their garden forms are usually only annuals, the following applies to all other cultivated forms: the taller the perennial, the more durable it is. In fact, this means:
- Delphiniums of the Belladonna variety are perennial but not particularly long-lived.
- Delphinium belladonna can live up to five years.
- However, the very tall Elatum varieties easily reach an age of at least five to ten years.
- The more sensitive Pacific Larkspurs, on the other hand, usually do not get older than two to three years.
Multiply delphiniums in good time
Knowledge of the lifespan of a delphinium encourages timely propagation of the perennial, which can be done either by seeds or vegetatively. The perennial varieties can not only be propagated by division, but also rejuvenated - in this way you extend the lifespan of your plants. Annual or biennial varieties, on the other hand, are easier to grow from seeds, which you can easily collect from the plant yourself.
Delphinium overwinters in the rhizome
All perennial delphiniums retreat into their rhizomes (i.e. into the main root) after they have been pruned in autumn in order to overwinter there, protected from external weather influences. In the spring, the plant will sprout again, whereby you can lure it out of its reserve with targeted fertilization and thus miss the right starting boost. It is sufficient to fertilize the larkspur in March with a good portion of mixed compost and horn shavings (€32.93).
Cut back delphiniums in autumn
To make it easier for delphiniums to hibernate, cut the plant back to just above the ground after it has finished blooming in autumn. If, on the other hand, parts of the plant are left, pathogens can nest and spread.
tips and tricks
In addition to seeds and division, delphiniums can also be propagated via root cuttings, for which you select young shoots with a piece of root in early summer.