How to prepare delphinium for winter, when and whether to prune it, how to cover and preserve it

The unusual arrangement of flowers on the stem and the bright color of the delphinium can give the garden a unique charm. The plant pleases with a large number of varieties that are easy to care for. In order for a garden flower to please the eye next season, you need to know the nuances of preparing delphinium for winter.

What delphiniums can be planted before winter?

To achieve early flowering of the plant and not bother with seedlings, experienced gardeners advise paying attention to planting before winter. In this case, the procedure is carried out after the soil freezes. For winter planting, any varieties of delphinium are selected.

Seeds are sown in the ground at the end of autumn. Some experts highlight the beginning of October. Others confirm the good germination of seeds planted in November. When practicing the option of sowing seeds before winter, it is recommended to use 25% more planting material.

Do I need to prune delphiniums for the winter?

The plant has high winter hardiness and can survive frosts from -40 to -45 degrees. Pruning is avoided if the plant overwinters under a thick layer of snow. In the conditions of modern winters in the Moscow region, rains more often “delight” residents than snowfalls.

During the cold season, gardeners face two problems - damping off and rotting. Based on this, they conclude that the delphinium must be pruned for the winter. This process cannot be left to chance.

Reasons why flowers may not survive winter well

After winter, a person may discover that his pet has disappeared. Under the influence of various factors, the delphinium dies. There are several reasons why a flower does not tolerate winter.

Unsuitable climate

Delphinium, as mentioned earlier, tolerates even the most extreme temperatures under cover of snow. A person who decides to grow a flower must take into account the climatic characteristics of the southern regions. In winter, the weather changes frequently, and temperature changes are very sharp. Whether the delphinium will survive the coldest time of the year depends on the plant variety.

Buying delphinium variety, people often do not pay attention to the recommendations indicated on the packaging. For each region, certain categories of plants are derived. Inattention on the part of a person can cause disappointment in the delphinium. Therefore, people often refuse to grow it.

Dampness

The flower is afraid of high humidity, especially if this happens in winter. Overwatering leads to root rot and plant death. To avoid a similar fate, delphinium is planted on a hill with good drainage.

To ensure that moisture goes deep into the earth and does not stagnate in the root area, at the time of planting the hole is half covered with sand. Other material can be used as drainage. Some gardeners prefer small pebbles.

Incorrect pruning

Inexperienced gardeners incorrectly remove shoots. Wanting to get re-blooming, they cut off the greenery at the root immediately after the flowers wither. The manipulation has a negative impact on the plant, weakening it. As a result, the bushes die in winter.

You can encourage repeat flowering and help your delphinium survive the winter by trimming the inflorescence above the top leaf. The procedure is also carried out just before the cold weather. Unfortunately, many mistakes are made again during pruning.

Afterwards, the stems are left at a height of 15-30 cm from the soil surface. The ends are covered with clay on top. To prevent water from getting inside, it is enough to break the stems, leaving them bent.

When to prune delphinium in the fall?

The time to trim the stems depends on the flowering period of the variety. May range from 1 to 2 weeks. On average, the procedure occurs at the end of September.

By this time, the warm weather outside has time to give way to steady cold. The pruning procedure is carried out in the morning.It is better to choose a day without precipitation.

Other gardeners advise against pruning. Old shoots are easily removed in the spring. If desired, a person can try two methods.

How to prepare delphinium for winter?

Gardeners have differing opinions regarding winter hardiness. Some believe that delphiniums do not need careful preparation for wintering. Others claim that the plant is so whimsical and delicate that it can die if a person leaves its care to chance. The flower is represented by different varieties that have certain biological characteristics.

Annuals

The varieties included in this group are unpretentious. You can observe their growth not only in the southern, but also in the northern regions. To have flowers in the garden year after year, you will have to try.

In September, the seeds are collected and stored until spring, when it is time to plant. Winter planting is also permitted. It is recommended to sow in a permanent place with good lighting. Planting material is placed in the ground to a depth of 4-5 mm.

Perennial

After the delphinium blooms, gardeners begin to care for it. Preparation for winter begins in the fall:

1. The stems are cut off. The height of the remaining shoots does not exceed 30 cm above the soil surface.
2. Dry leaves around the plant are collected and burned. Weeds are also destroyed.
3. After cleaning the area, they move on to loosening the soil.
4. The stakes to which the flowers were tied are taken from the site.
5. They are preparing the stems for wintering. To do this, follow the standard pattern using clay. If necessary, cover the plant.

Sometimes a flower needs care even in the cold season. As a rule, attention is paid to watering.Moisture saturation continues until frost begins. Frequent and regular watering helps the delphinium to successfully survive the winter.

Marfin hybrids

The varieties were bred by breeders from the Moscow region. They are in no way inferior to foreign hybrids. Growing in the northern and central regions of the country does not require shelter.

Varieties from the Belladonna group

Representatives are also distinguished by their winter hardiness. They do not require additional shelter in the presence of snow cover.

Varieties of Pacific and New Zealand selection

They take root in the southern regions. They do not tolerate cold because they were bred in subtropical climates. In the Moscow region they can withstand winter cold provided they are covered with spruce branches. After the first flowering the plant dies.

Storage methods

With the onset of winter, gardeners consider 2 options for preparing delphinium for winter:

• pruning;
• use of shelter.

In the first case, the stems are cut off and the edges are covered with clay. The root area is sprinkled with mulch. This option is more suitable for snowy winters.

The second method of preservation also involves cutting the stems and treating them with clay. To prevent the plant from dying, use additional cover. Coniferous branches are most often chosen. This approach will protect the delphinium in wet winter conditions.

Nuances of conservation

The correct procedure for preparing delphinium for winter will protect it from the threat of disease development. Many gardeners prune at the wrong time. As a rule, they forget to do it on time and delay the procedure. This will not only affect the plant’s ability to survive the winter, but also prevent the full development of the buds.

Experts do not recommend stimulating bud formation in the autumn.They also recommend abandoning the idea of ​​re-blooming before winter. Delphinium stems are pruned with the onset of stable cold weather.

If the flowers were planted in spring, they continue to develop until the onset of cold weather. In late autumn they may be in the budding stage. In this case, it is not clear to a person whether they are ready for wintering or not.

If the plant is young, as a rule, by late autumn the process of bud formation has time to occur. New flowers tolerate winters better, unlike representatives that have been growing in the garden for a long time. This is explained by the fact that they are less susceptible to root rot.

In regions with warm winters, people are prepared for frequent thaws. Knowing the temperature regime, they carefully prepare the plants for wintering. A canopy or something similar to a hut is built over the planting. This way the delphinium is protected from excess moisture and frequent gusts of wind.

Insulation material

If new plants are planted in the spring, they need additional cover. Straw will help save you from frost and large amounts of snow. It is an excellent alternative to coniferous branches.

It is not recommended to use peat or leaves to cover the delphinium. They are able to retain moisture. In turn, this leads to the development of fungus and diseases that are associated with it. Excess moisture attracts slugs and various pests.

After the snow melts, in early spring, the delphinium wakes up and is ready to grow. However, night frosts are not a hindrance. There are times when the plant is poorly rooted. Thus, it is deepened so that the kidneys are not damaged.

Delphinium is a beautiful and unusual plant. Its growth and full development depends on the conditions created by man.Neglecting simple rules leads to the plant dying. This question is especially relevant in the winter season. With a little effort and attention from gardeners, the delphinium will reward you with abundant flowering and decorate your flower beds throughout the summer.