Plant of the Month November 2011

Delphinium kamaonense

Delphinium kamaonense ; photo by Todd Boland

Description and general information

This dwarf delphinium produces a loose raceme of 3 to 14 deep blue flowers on plants that reach 25-45 cm in height.

It is native to the Himalayas of SW Gansu to W Sichuan in China, west to NW India and Nepal, where is grows on grassy slopes at an elevation of 2500-4200 m.

Cultivation

Full sun to part shade in moist, but well-drained soil.

Bloom period

The blooming season for this species begins in May in the southern USA and Pacific Northwest until early August in northern regions such as Atlantic Canada.

Propagation

Seed or division.

Seed

This species of Delphinium benefits from a stratification period. Sow at 4 C for 8-10 weeks then bring into gentle heat. Seeds need darkness to germinate.

Division

Particularly robust specimens may be divided in early spring.

Cuttings

Not generally taken.

References

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