Larkspur (the gardener also calls the usually perennial perennial "Delphinium") is a very large and diverse plant family that belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The popular garden plant can be propagated by cuttings, by sowing - whereby many delphiniums even sow themselves - as well as easily by division.
If possible, divide your delphinium on a cloudy day
Root fibrous to bulbous
The appearance of the root systems depends on the species of delphinium. Some delphiniums develop more fibrous root systems, while others, especially the more early flowering varieties, develop bulbous roots. The stiffly upright shoots that grow from this are woody at the base and also only have a few leaves. The latter also become smaller and smaller towards the top.
Procedure for splitting depending on the root
Exactly how you divide the eyrie depends on its composition. Tubers are divided with a sharp knife or spade, while perennials with fine fibrous roots are best broken up carefully by hand. Finally, as few roots as possible should be damaged in order to make it easier for the partial plant to grow later.
Divide delphiniums - this is how you do it
Like many perennials, delphinium can be propagated simply and easily by division. At the same time, older specimens in particular are drastically rejuvenated by this measure. Delphiniums usually tolerate sharing very well and grow back quickly.
- Carefully dig up the perennial to be divided in spring or autumn.
- It is best to use a digging fork to avoid damaging any roots.
- Divide the root ball into several pieces.
- Exactly how you do this depends on the roots.
- Each section ideally has two to three healthy shoots.
- Gently untangle fine roots by hand.
- Remove dead leaves and weeds.
- Immediately replant the individual sections in new locations.
Transplant outer sections only
Important: The most prolific parts of the delphinium are on the outermost edges of the eyrie. The inner sections are mostly bald and are not suitable for propagation. It is therefore better to put them in the compost.
tips and tricks
"If the sky is gray in grey, the weather is perfect for transplanting," says the Austrian. In fact, plants should not be transplanted, transplanted or divided on a hot day in bright sunshine. In order to make it easier for the young delphiniums to grow and to protect them from drying out, it is best to divide them on a cloudy or even rainy day.