Origin
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling, commonly known as Desert larkspur, is a perennial plant species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is mainly found in high mountain areas of Arizona, California, and Baja California. This plant prefers dry, rocky soils in areas with little water, and often grows in pinyon-juniper woodland and chaparral communities.
Common Names
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum is commonly known as Desert larkspur, Parish's larkspur, and Cobwebby larkspur.
Uses
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum contains toxic alkaloids, which may cause severe poisoning if ingested. However, Native Americans utilized the plant's roots and leaves for medicinal purposes, such as treating rheumatism, snakebite, headache, and fever. Nowadays, Desert larkspur is mainly grown for its aesthetic value. It is a popular ornamental plant and is commonly seen in gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum is a perennial herb that grows up to three feet tall. Its stem is erect, robust, and covered with fine, cobweb-like hairs. The leaves are deeply divided, with three to five lobes, and have a bluish-green color. The flowers are displayed on long spikes that can reach up to two feet in length. The flowers have a distinctive shape, with the upper petals forming a spur and the lower petals forming a pouch-like structure. The petals are usually blue, but they can also be purple, lavender, or white. Desert larkspur blooms from March to June and produces fruits that are dry, papery capsules containing 1 to 5 seeds.
Light Requirements
The Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with hot summers, the plant may benefit from some afternoon shade to avoid heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum is a plant that thrives in cool temperatures. The plant prefers a daytime temperature range of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures that do not exceed 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In hot climates, the plant may struggle to grow and flower, and in cold climates, it may require additional protection during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. The soil must be consistently moist, not waterlogged, and rich in organic matter. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal for growing this plant. The plant may require additional mulch during hot and dry summers to conserve moisture in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
The Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is best to plant in the fall or spring, depending on the climate in your area. The plant can also be grown from seeds, which should be sown in the fall or winter. For best results, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist until they germinate.
Watering Needs
It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged when watering Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling. The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and less often during the dormant season. However, it is important to monitor the soil moisture and adjust the watering frequency accordingly.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling should be fertilized every six weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling should be pruned regularly to promote fuller growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. Pinch back the tips of the stems when they reach about six inches in height and continue to pinch back new growth throughout the growing season. Deadhead the flowers as they fade to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagation of Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation, stem cutting, and division, although seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate this plant.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling should be sown on well-draining soil in a sunny location. The soil should be kept moist but not too wet to avoid rotting the seeds. The best time to sow the seeds is during the fall or early winter. Germination usually takes place within 2-3 weeks.
Stem Cutting Propagation
The stem cuttings of Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling can be taken during the summer months. Select a healthy stem and make a clean cut just below a node. Dip the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in bright, indirect light. Roots will start to grow within 2-3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum (Wiggins) Lewis & Epling can also be propagated by division in the fall or early spring. Carefully remove the plant from the soil and separate the root ball into several parts. Each part should have a good amount of roots and foliage. Plant each division into a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist.
Disease Management
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum is susceptible to a wide range of diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant include powdery mildew, crown rot, and verticillium wilt. To manage these diseases, it is essential to be vigilant and monitor the plants regularly
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage the disease, it is essential to prune affected areas and improve air circulation around the plant. Additionally, the use of fungicides can be helpful in managing powdery mildew
Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing the plant to wilt and potentially die. To manage the disease, it is essential to remove infected plants and improve soil drainage. Additionally, using fungicides and practicing crop rotation can help prevent crown rot
Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and die. To manage the disease, it is essential to improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Additionally, planting disease-resistant cultivars and practicing crop rotation can help prevent verticillium wilt
Pest Management
Delphinium parishii Gray ssp. subglobosum is susceptible to a wide range of pests. The most common pests that affect this plant include aphids, thrips, and spider mites. To manage these pests, it is essential to take preventive measures and use appropriate pest management strategies
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage the pests, it is essential to remove the affected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can help control aphids
Thrips are small insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing discoloration and distortion. To manage the pests, it is essential to remove the affected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as minute pirate bugs and predatory mites can help control thrips
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellowing and spotting. To manage the pests, it is essential to remove the affected parts of the plant and use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Additionally, increasing humidity around the plant and introducing natural predators such as predatory mites and ladybugs can help control spider mites
