Description of Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats.
Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to the western part of North America, including the states of California, Oregon, and Washington.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as western larkspur and mountain larkspur.
Appearance
The western larkspur can grow to be between 3-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has deep blue to purple flowers that are arranged in a spike-like cluster at the tip of the stem. The flowers are shaped like a spur and have a distinctive white or pale yellow center. The leaves are deeply lobed and can be up to six inches long.
Uses
Despite its beauty, the western larkspur is highly toxic to both humans and animals if ingested. However, it has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples in North America for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant can also be used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping due to its striking appearance, although caution should be taken to keep it away from children and animals.
Light Requirements
Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant grows best in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In regions with hot summers, this plant prefers areas with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in cool climates with temperatures ranging from 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter but does not survive temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot temperatures can cause the plant's leaves to wilt and become discolored, and can decrease its overall growth rate.
Soil Requirements
Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. prefers well-draining, loamy soil. It does not tolerate heavy clay soils or poorly draining soils. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-aged manure to the soil can improve its structure and provide the plant with vital nutrients. Regularly amending the soil with nitrogen-rich fertilizer promotes healthy foliage growth. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing as too much fertilizer can decrease flower production.
Cultivation Methods
Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. is a perennial plant native to the Western United States and is commonly known as Western larkspur. The plant can grow up to six feet tall and spreads up to eighteen inches wide. It is usually grown in USDA zones 5 to 8.
For cultivation, the plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and high in alkalinity, similar to its native habitat. The plant prefers full sun exposure to part shade.
Propagation of Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. is done mostly through seed. The seeds should be planted in late fall or early spring, and the soil should be kept consistently moist. The plant has a low germination rate and requires a cold stratification period to germinate effectively.
Watering Needs
Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Watering the plant in the early morning hours helps to reduce the incidence of disease and ensures that the soil is adequately hydrated before the sun's heat evaporates the moisture.
Fertilization
Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to support its growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio is suitable for the plant. The first application should be done in early spring, just before new growth emerges. Subsequent applications should be done monthly, following the package instructions.
Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth, which can lead to weaker stems that require staking.
Pruning
Pruning Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. is done after the blooming season is over. To encourage re-blooming, the plant should be deadheaded by removing spent flower spikes. The plant should also be cut back to about six inches from the ground to encourage new growth.
During the growing season, the plant may require staking to support its tall, slender stems. Stakes should be inserted into the ground at the base of the plant and tied loosely to the stem with a soft twine to prevent damage.
Propagation of Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats.
Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats., commonly known as western larkspur or elk larkspur, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. The seeds of this plant can be sown directly in the ground, or in trays, flats, or pots filled with a nutrient-rich potting mix. The seeds should be barely covered with soil and kept moist until germination. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into the garden.
Division
Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with their own set of roots. The best time to divide this plant is in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Care should be taken not to damage the roots during the division process, and the newly divided sections should be planted immediately.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method of propagating Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. The cuttings should be taken from the plant during the growing season, typically in mid-summer when the plant has finished blooming. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long, and taken from the softwood at the base of the plant. The cuttings should be planted in a nutrient-rich potting mix and kept moist until roots have formed.
Propagation of Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats. can be done through seed propagation, division, or cuttings. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and gardeners should choose the method that best suits their needs.
Disease Management for Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats.
One of the most common diseases that can affect Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats is powdery mildew. This disease causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it's important to maintain good air circulation around the plant by spacing the plants apart and avoiding crowded planting areas. Fungicidal sprays can also be used to treat powdery mildew if it becomes severe.
Another disease that can affect Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats is bacterial wilt. This disease causes the plant to wilt and die quickly, often without any warning signs. To manage bacterial wilt, it's important to immediately remove and dispose of any infected plants. Avoid working with the plant when it's wet, as this can spread the bacteria.
Pest Management for Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats.
One of the most common pests that can affect Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats is the aphid. These small insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowed leaves, and deformation of the flowers. To manage aphids, it's important to use natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control the population. Insecticidal soaps can also be used to treat aphids.
Another pest that can affect Delphinium elatum L. var. occidentale S. Wats is the spider mite. These tiny pests also suck the sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, it's important to regularly spray the plant with water to keep the leaves clean and moist. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can also be used to control spider mites.
