Origin
Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson, a member of the buttercup family, is native to California and can be found growing in the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the surprise larkspur, Parish's larkspur, or Sierra larkspur.
Uses
Though not commonly used for medicinal purposes, some Native American tribes used the surprise larkspur in traditional medicine, primarily for fever and intestinal ailments. However, this plant is highly toxic and should not be ingested or used without proper knowledge and guidance.
The surprise larkspur is mainly grown for its ornamental value in gardens and can be used for cut flowers in floral arrangements. However, it requires careful handling due to its toxic properties.
Appearance
The surprise larkspur is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The plant produces tall spikes of showy blue-purple flowers in early summer, each with a spur similar to that of the common larkspur. The leaves are deeply lobed and bright green, adding to the plant's overall attractive appearance.
However, caution must be taken when handling the plant as all parts, especially the seeds and roots, are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested.
Light Requirements
Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and bloom. It thrives well in areas receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light can negatively impact growth and cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a cool environment with temperatures ranging from 50 to 70°F (10 to 21°C). It can tolerate mild freezes but cannot withstand temperatures higher than 80°F (27°C) for an extended period. Extremely high temperatures can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Soil Requirements
Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson thrives well in rich, well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). The soil should be loose, fertile, and amended with organic matter. Although adaptable to different soil types, this plant prefers sandy loam or loamy soil with good drainage to avoid root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson
Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson can be grown in the garden or in containers. The plant prefers full sun, well-draining soil, and slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. It can be propagated from seed or through division.
If growing from seed, sow them in an indoor seedling tray with a seed starting mix. Keep the soil moist and germination will typically occur in 10-14 days. Once seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted outside in the desired location. When transplanting, make sure to space the plants 18-24 inches apart.
If propagating through division, wait until the plant is at least two years old before dividing. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the roots. Each new plant should have a healthy root system and at least one bud.
Watering Needs for Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson
Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson prefers consistently moist soil but not wet soil. Water the plant deeply, once or twice a week. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary to prevent the plant from drying out.
It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Always make sure the soil has good drainage so excess water can escape.
Fertilization for Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson
Fertilize Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson once a month during the growing season using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging carefully.
Excessive fertilization can lead to weak growth and disease susceptibility. Do not fertilize during the dormant season.
Pruning for Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson
Prune Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson after it has finished flowering. Cut back the spent flower stalks to the base of the plant to encourage new growth.
If the plant becomes leggy during the growing season, pinch back the new shoots to encourage branching and fuller growth.
It is important to always use clean, sterilized pruning tools to avoid transmitting diseases between plants.
Propagation methods of Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson
Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson can be propagated through various methods, including seed sowing and division.
Seed sowing
Seeds of Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson can be sown directly in the soil or started indoors in containers. The best time to sow seeds is in late fall or early winter when the soil is moist and cool. The seeds should be sown 1/8 inch deep in a location that receives partial shade and is protected from strong winds. The soil should be kept moist during the germination period, which can take up to four weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be gradually exposed to more sunlight and grown on until they are large enough to be transplanted outside or into larger containers.
Division
Another method of propagating Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson is through division. This should be done in the fall after the plant has finished blooming and the foliage has started to die back. To divide the plant, gently dig it up and separate the root mass into several sections, each with their own shoot and root system. Replant the divisions immediately in a location that receives partial shade, and keep the soil moist until they are established.
Disease Management
Common diseases that may affect Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson are fungal infections such as botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt. To prevent these diseases, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices in the garden, which includes removing fallen leaves and debris from around the plant. It is also important to provide adequate air circulation between plants by spacing them apart and pruning them if necessary.
If fungal infections do occur, it is important to act quickly to prevent further spread. Infected plant material should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides may be applied to help manage the disease. Fungicides that contain copper or sulfur are effective treatments for fungal infections, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid overuse, which can lead to resistance.
Pest Management
Common pests that may affect Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson include aphids, slugs, and snails. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plants with a high-pressure stream of water or by applying insecticidal soaps or oils. Slugs and snails can be managed by creating physical barriers, such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, and by removing hiding places such as piles of debris.
Another pest that may affect Delphinium parishii Gray var. inopinum Jepson is the leaf miner. Leaf miners are small, fly larvae that tunnel through the leaves, causing damage to the plant. To prevent leaf miners, it is important to remove and destroy any affected plant material, and to apply insecticides that are effective in controlling this pest. Insecticides that contain pyrethrin or spinosad are effective treatments for leaf miners, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid overuse, which can lead to resistance.
