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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Belladonna Delphinium

We purchased two Belladonna Delphiniums (or Larkspurs) from Spring Hill Nursery. We planted them in Our Lady of Lourdes' garden bed. I was impressed with how good the roots looked when I planted them and am happy to say that both plants have leaves (one is larger than the other). I am looking forward to seeing the flowers.

I have to admit that we bought this particular delphinium because of its name. As I told my husband, "Bella donna, makes me think of our Blessed Mother. She is a beautiful lady."

Marian Name: Mary's Tears
Botanical Name: Delphinium x belladonna

Description: Dazzling Blue Blooms for Weeks! Statuesque, 36-48" spires are covered with light blue 1 to 1 1/2" double florets in late spring to early summer. What a wonderful addition to a fenceline or foundation area. Great in the back of a border planting, too. The lush blue color complements yellows and reds nicely. Plant with coreopsis or monarda for a lovely display. Pick some flowers for a fresh bouquet. #1 field-grown plants. 

Height: 36-48"
Zones: 3-9
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Form: Herbaceous Perennial
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade/Full Sun
Height/Habit: 36 - 48" spikes
Spread: 12 - 18"
Spacing: 12 - 18"
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8 (-30 degrees F)
Foliage Type: Elegant palmately lobed leaves of rich green.
Flower Form: Showy racemes or spikes
Flower Color: Light blue
Planting Requirements: Set crown so bud tips are just below the ground-level, firm soil and water well.
Soil Requirements: Humus enriched, well drained
Growth Rate: Rapid once established, which takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks.
Unique Characteristics: Grown for their showy spikes of blue flowers. The belladonna group has spikes that are more loose and branched than the Elatum group which are more densely grouped along the stem.
Pruning: Cut back spent flower stems to encourage repeat blooming. Trimming out spent flower stalks can encourage repeat blooming in early fall.
Time of Pruning: After flowering
Restricted States: AE AK GU HI PR

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