Origin
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling, also known as Purple Larkspur, is a perennial flowering plant that is native to southern California in the United States. It is commonly found in the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Bernardino Mountains, and the San Jacinto Mountains.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Purple Larkspur, Parish’s Larkspur, and Desert Larkspur.
Uses
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling is a popular ornamental plant due to its vibrant purple flowers. The plant is often used in gardens and landscapes as a border plant, in mass plantings, or in mixed perennial borders. However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic and should not be ingested.
General Appearance
The Purple Larkspur grows up to 2 feet tall and has long, slender stems with alternate, deeply lobed leaves. The leaves are mainly basal, forming low rosettes at the base of the plant. The flowers bloom from March to May and are deep violet or purple-blue in color. Each flower has a spur at the back, which gives the plant its distinctive larkspur shape. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight.
Light Requirements
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot summers, partial shade in the afternoon can provide relief from excessive heat and prevent the plant from drying out.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to higher elevations in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Tehachapi Mountains. It prefers cool temperatures, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners in cooler climates. The ideal temperature range for Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It can tolerate some frost, but temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling thrives in well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. In areas with heavy clay soil, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. The plant does not tolerate wet, soggy soil or standing water around its roots.
Cultivation methods
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is best to grow them in loamy or sandy soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.5. This plant is delicate and may not tolerate extreme heat or cold. Therefore, it is best to grow them in areas with a mild climate.
Watering needs
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling requires frequent watering, especially during hot and dry conditions. It is best to water them deeply once a week, rather than shallow watering. This plant prefers consistently moist soil, but it is essential to avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be completed in the early spring before the onset of blooming. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium such as 10-10-10. Do not over-fertilize as this may result in poor flower quality and weak stems.
Pruning
Deadheading delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling is essential to prolong blooming and ensuring continued healthy and robust growth. It is best to deadhead spent blooms by cutting below the spent flower. Proper pruning habits help maintain a healthy plant and ward off diseases and pests.
Propagation of Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling
Propagation is the process of multiplying plants either through sexual or asexual means. Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling can be propagated through two main methods:
1. Seed Propagation
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling can be propagated from seeds harvested from a mature plant. The seeds should be sown in pots or a seedbed. The growing medium should be rich in nutrients and water-retentive. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist. The optimum temperature for seed germination is between 60°F(15°C) to 70°F(21°C).
However, before planting, the seeds should be stratified. Stratification is the process of exposing the seeds to a cold, moist environment for several weeks. It is done to imitate the natural dormancy-breaking process the seeds undergo in nature. Stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in a plastic ziplock bag containing moist peat moss. The bag should be sealed and placed in a refrigerator for six to eight weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in the recommended growing medium.
2. Stem Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method for Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling is through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants. The cuttings should be about 5-10 cm long and should be taken from the non-flowering stems. The lower leaves should be removed and the cut stem dipped in rooting hormone. The stem cuttings should then be planted in a growing medium rich in nutrients and well-draining. They should be kept moist and warm at 65°F(18°C) to 75°F(24°C).
The stem cuttings should be misted daily to maintain moisture and humidity. It takes 3-4 weeks for roots to develop. After roots are established, the young plants can be transplanted to pots or the garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling is a beautiful plant with vibrant purple flowers. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pest infestations. Here are some of the most common issues that may affect this plant and how to manage them effectively:
Diseases
1. Crown Rot: This is a fungal disease that can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent this disease, make sure the plant is in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If you notice signs of crown rot, remove the affected plant immediately to prevent it from spreading to other plants.
2. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To prevent this disease, avoid crowding plants and make sure they have adequate air circulation. If you notice signs of powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pests
1. Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To prevent aphids, try spraying the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
2. Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to turn yellow and distort. To prevent spider mites, make sure the plant is well-watered and avoid overfertilizing, which can attract them. If you notice signs of spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap and remove heavily infested leaves.
By monitoring your Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. purpureum Lewis & Epling for signs of disease and pests and taking appropriate action when necessary, you can help ensure that it stays healthy and vibrant for years to come.
