Delphinium elatum
| Delphinium elatum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 3 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Mid Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Delphinium elatum
Propagation: Seed - sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors[1]. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place[2]. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c[3]. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination[2]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c[2]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.
Cuttings of basal shoots in April/May, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame[1].
Division in spring[1] or early autumn[3].
Cultivation: Prefers a rich well-drained soil that stays moist in the summer[1][4]. Dislikes water-logged soils[3], it is liable to die out in heavy soils over winter[1]. Requires an open sunny position[5].
This species is the main parent of the many tall hybrid forms of delphiniums that are commonly grown as garden ornamentals[3].
A variable species in the wild, varying in height from 40cm to 2 metres[3].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[6].
Range: E. Asia - Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon.
Habitat: Temperate areas from 3000 - 3600 metres[7]. Grassy slopes at elevations of 1900 - 2100 metres in Tibet[8]..
Medicinal: The whole plant, but especially the seeds, is anthelmintic, aperient, diuretic and emetic[7].
Usage: The seed contains 1.7% alkaloids and is used as an insecticide[7].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Mid Summer-Late Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are toxic[9][10]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[3].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Sanders, Thomas. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge, 1926.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bird, Alfred. Focus on Plants Volume 5. Thompson and Morgan, 1991.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.
- ↑ Schofield, Janice. Discovering Wild Plants.