Description of the best varieties of New Zealand delphinium and its cultivation

New Zealand delphiniums amaze with their beauty and unusualness. The plant looks like a giant, as it reaches a height of 2 m. The powerful stem is covered with large double flowers of various colors. Due to their durability and decorative qualities, they differ significantly from other varieties of delphinium.

Characteristics and description of the New Zealand delphinium

Out of 2 m in height, the brush is 65-70 cm long.The opened bud reaches 11 cm in diameter. Depending on the variety, the flowers are ordinary, double and semi-double. The bottom of the delphinium is abundantly covered with greenery. The dissected leaves are colored rich green. In the same place, delphinium can grow from 6 to 9 years.

Flowering begins at the end of June and continues until mid-August. During this period, faded brushes are cut off. In this way, the re-blooming of New Zealand delphinium is stimulated.

Crop varieties

New Zealand delphiniums are considered the most popular, as they have many perennial varieties:

1. Queen of Spades. The plant is valued for its large velvety black-crimson flowers. Thanks to the strong corrugation, they look elegant and gentle at the same time.
2. Giant Lime. Unlike other representatives of the New Zealand group, Lyme grows up to 2.5 m in height. The flowers are completely double with a yellow-green stripe in the middle. It does not require special care.
3. Azure. The flowers of the plant are colored blue. It is considered a favorite variety because it blooms twice per season.
4. Dusky Maiden. Delphinium is tall. The flowers are delicate, large in diameter and pink in color. The buds have a brown or black eye.
5. The bride's bouquet. A plant with super-double flowers that look great against lush greenery.

Varieties of New Zealand delphinium are represented by plants with a height of 1 to 2.5 m. All have large double and voluminous flowers. Some bloom twice per season.

Plant propagation methods

The successful growth of delphinium on a plot of land depends on the method of planting and care. The gardener must know such points as the time of sowing seeds, growth conditions, watering and more.Growing is not such a difficult procedure if you devote time to it.

How to grow a flower in a summer cottage?

Despite the luxury and sophistication, the flower is unpretentious. Able to withstand winter frosts without needing shelter. The method of propagation is dividing the bush, which is carried out in the spring. The parts into which the plant is divided should have 2-3 healthy branches.

Dividing the bush is not the most popular propagation method. Most often, flower growers resort to planting seeds. Moreover, the material is prepared at home, if there is an opportunity and desire.

Seed preparation and processing

Before planting in the soil, a disinfection procedure must be carried out. The seeds are distributed on gauze and dipped in a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate. After this, the process of washing the planting material in clean water begins. After soaking in Epin, they are dried.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

A small container is filled with soil, lightly trampling it down. After distributing the seeds over the surface, they are covered with 3-4 cm of soil. The soil is sprayed with warm water, and the container is covered with black film. In the dark, the seeds will germinate faster and can be replanted.

Soil preparation

The soil is a mixture of compost, peat, soil and sand. Perlite added to the soil makes it loose. One part of the substance is taken to 10 parts of soil. Before pouring into containers, the soil is heated in the oven to destroy weed seeds and fungal spores.

Transplanting seedlings to a permanent place

To determine whether it is time to plant the plant in a permanent place, inspect the root. It should wrap around the entire earthen ball in the pot.

The sprouts can be easily removed from the container, while the roots remain intact.

Further flower care

After transplanting to a permanent place, they begin to care for the flower.

Rules for watering and fertilizing

The giant needs regular hydration. There is no need to water the plant too often and abundantly, as the plantings may be attacked by blackleg, and then they will die. Watering should be moderate.

As soon as the plant reaches a height of 15 cm, the first feeding is carried out.

The manure is diluted with water, the plant is watered, after which the soil is loosened and weeds are removed.

Trimming

Delphiniums that have reached 25 cm in height are subject to thinning. The purpose of the procedure is to obtain larger inflorescences with intense color. On average, no more than 5 branches are left on one bush. Pruning promotes air circulation, increasing the giant's resistance to plant diseases.

Thin and weak stems at the soil surface should be pruned. The cut is treated with an activated carbon tablet, ground into powder. If there is a heel left on the cut branches, they are rooted.

Methods of controlling diseases and pests

In mid-summer, delphinium is affected by powdery mildew. If urgent measures are not taken, the above-ground part will die in a few days. The giant is treated with “Topaz” or “Fundazol”.

As a result of aphid parasitism, the bush becomes covered with ring spots. Affected stems are pruned. To prevent re-infection by parasites, plantings are treated with Karbofos or Actellik.

Gardeners have to treat the plant for black spot. To do this, a Tetracycline tablet is diluted in 1 liter of water. Hibiscus plants are sprayed with the solution. Instances in the non-advanced form of the disease can be treated.

Slugs and delphinium flies are the most dangerous pests of the plant. They lay eggs in flower buds. You can get rid of parasites with the help of insecticidal preparations. Bleach placed near delphinium plantings will repel slugs.

Growing New Zealand delphinium - a difficult task that requires certain knowledge and minimal experience. If you approach the process with great responsibility, even a beginner will be pleased with the plant with large and beautiful flowers. Creating optimal conditions and care will do their job.