BUTTERFLY DELPHINIUMS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 260, 30 July 1937, Page 18

BUTTERFLY DELPHINIUMS

Sow Seed Now The butterfly delphiniums are really the annual sorts and are perhaps the most neglected of all the group. Botanically. they are not true annuals, but for all ordinary purposes it is best to think of them as annuals and treat them as such. This means that butterfly delphiniums can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. To get the best effect from them they must lie grown several in a clump. They bloom in December and January and reach the height of about 18in.

The flower spikes are branching ,nnd on these are several well-placed single blooms, reminding one of a blue butterfly. There is a variety called blue butterfly, and its colour is one of the richest blues in the garden. August is the time to sow seed, and the ideal way is to raise it in a frame and prick out in the ordinary way. For most subjects one has to use a very light mixture when it comes to pricking out, but these delphiniums will do much better if pricked out in a heavier mixture. Four parts loam, one part leaf-mould and a good dash of sand is ideal.

This encourages the roots to “make haste slowly,” which is particularly essential. If they grow too fast the plants develop very thin and weakly. Slow growth, fat r oots. robust leaves and a chubby central crown must be one’s objective.

From an August sowing plants should lie ready for planting out in early October. Put them Bin. apart and be sure that the crown is not buried when planting takes place.