Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’

Description

Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ is a striking perennial with semi-double, rich, intense-blue flowers on tall, sturdy stems. Reaching 1.8m in height and 60cm in spread, it blooms from May to July and attracts bees, making it perfect for the back of sunny borders. Hardy and low-maintenance, this stunning plant thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ is in spring when the soil starts to warm. This ensures the roots establish strongly before the flowering season.
• Autumn: Early autumn planting is also possible, allowing time to settle in before dormancy and promote vigorous growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Delphinium thrives in full sun. Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential. Avoid waterlogged areas as Delphiniums do not tolerate excessive moisture. Enrich the soil with organic matter like compost to improve fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball to give Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ plenty of room to grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the planting soil to enhance fertility and structure.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently and firm to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and support root establishment. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ requires regular watering during dry spells but allow the soil to dry slightly between sessions. Avoid overwatering, which can harm the roots.
• Dormant Season: Water sparingly during dormancy, only if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ a strong start to the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can prolong flowering and maintain plant vigour.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period and encourage new flower production on Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering, cut Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ back to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy and promote healthier growth the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulching helps protect roots from frost and prevents soil heaving, ensuring the plant survives through colder months.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ has tall, sturdy stems, but staking is recommended in exposed or windy locations to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Delphinium elatum ‘Faust’ is a spectacular addition to any sunny border. By planting in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil, and following this care routine, this Delphinium will reward your garden with striking blue blooms from May to July and attract bees throughout the season.