Contents
Description
Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace, also known as Larkspur, is a stunning perennial plant that is native to the northern hemisphere. It is a member of the buttercup family and is known for its tall spikes of blue-purple flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer. This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making it a great choice for adding height to the back of a garden bed or border. Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace can be grown as a cut flower and is a favorite of florists due to its beautiful color and long vase life.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Delphinium |
Appearance
The Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace has tall stems with deeply lobed, green leaves that are palmately divided. The flowers are large, showy, and have a deep blue-purple color with white centers. They grow in dense spikes that can reach up to 6 feet tall. The flowers are surrounded by small, pointed bracts that are blue-green in color. The plant blooms in early to mid-summer and can be grown as a perennial in USDA zones 3-7.
Care Guide
Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace requires regular watering and well-draining soil to thrive. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. It is important to deadhead the plant regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from going to seed. This plant is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures down to -40°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace is susceptible to powdery mildew, fungal leaf spot, and crown rot. It may also be attacked by aphids, thrips, and spider mites. To prevent these pests and diseases, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-watered. Applying a fungicide and insecticide when necessary can also help prevent infestations.
Habitat
Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace is native to the northern hemisphere and can be found growing in meadows and open woodlands. It thrives in cool, moist environments and can be found growing at high altitudes in the mountains. The plant is commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens and as a cut flower for florists.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s tall stems.
Q: Does Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: How often should Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace be fertilized?
A: It should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall can Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace grow?
A: It can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Delphinium grandiflorum
- Delphinium x belladonna
- Delphinium exaltatum
- Delphinium nudicaule
References
- “Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b817.
- “Delphinium Elatum.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/growing-delphiniums-1402748.
- “Delphinium Elatum Blue Lace.” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/delphinium-elatum-blue-lace.
