Delphinium elatum 'New Millennium Stars'

Walters Gardens is offering Elle Plugs of ‘New Millennium Stars,’ which is a mix of New Zealand hybrids, including ‘Blue Lace,’ ‘Blushing Brides,’ ‘Green Twist,’ ‘Double Innocence,’ ‘Misty Mauves,’ ‘Morning Lights,’ ‘Pagan Purples,’ ‘Purple Passion,’ ‘Royal Aspirations, and ‘Sunny Skies.’ The plants were bred by Dowdeswell’s Delphiniums in New Zealand from English hybrids. They are hand-crossed.

Flower colors include a range of white, blue, pink and purple. Plants reach 3-6 feet tall.

These F₁ hybrids have excellent form, strong stems and a vigorous growth habit. They were selected for improved heat and humidity tolerance and cold hardiness.

Growing temperature is 65°F-75°F days and 50°F-55°F nights. Growing medium pH should be 6.0-6.5. When planting, place crown at or just below the medium surface.

Growth regulators are generally not needed, although they may be beneficial if plants are grown warm. Plants will be stockier if grown cooler.

Water well when first planted, then keep damp to moist, but not soggy, until initial bud breaks. Don’t let the medium dry out completely. Avoid overhead watering.

Use a balanced fertilizer containing calcium and potassium nitrate. Once flower initiation occurs, use less nitrogen and more potassium and phosphorus.

Plants will finish for spring sale in seven to nine weeks. Plants flower in 10-12 weeks.

{sidebar id=1}

For more: Walters Gardens, (888) 925-8377; www.waltersgardens.com.

- Jyme Mariani