The perennial delphinium (lat. delphinium), which is often found in German gardens, is not only so popular because of its delightful flowers, which usually bloom in different shades of blue or violet, but also because of its winter hardiness. In contrast to many other garden plants that are not originally native to this country, you can safely leave delphiniums planted out in the bed outdoors.
Larkspur is absolutely hardy and does not need winter protection outdoors
Prepare delphiniums for winter
However, the hardy delphinium also needs a certain amount of preparation for the winter so that it can sprout all the more beautifully the following spring. It is essential to cut the plant back to just above the ground after the autumn flowering. On the other hand, if you leave the faded parts of the plant on the plant over the winter, germs can nest in them - it is well known that Delphinium is particularly sensitive to mildew, gray mold and various bacteria.
Autumnal compost
After cutting, you can - if desired - divide the perennial. It is then advisable to mulch the root area with mature compost. This supplies delphiniums with nutrients over the winter and creates a good basis for budding in spring. In contrast to mineral or artificial fertilizers, compost is not readily available, but only gradually releases its ingredients. Work the compost thoroughly into the soil.
Protect delphiniums in the pot from frost
In contrast to the actually absolutely winter-hardy Delphinium perennials in the garden, larkspur in the pot should definitely be protected, after all there is a risk that the substrate - and thus the roots - will freeze through and the plant will die.
- Wrap the bucket with fleece, a raffia mat or a jute sack. (€10.99)
- Cover the surface of the substrate with straw or leaves.
- The twigs from deciduous trees (e.g. spruce or fir) are also very suitable for protection.
Delphiniums in buckets should be watered on frost-free days in winter, but never fertilized. You can start fertilizing again from the beginning of March and stop the gifts around mid-August / beginning of September.
tips and tricks
Garden delphiniums that have been planted out can be supplied with organic fertilizer very easily, but delphiniums in tubs need considerably more nutrients and should therefore be fertilized with liquid fertilizer.