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Plant Brief

Delphinium 'Coral Sunset'
from Nico Wigchert

Introduced 2004

Elatum hybrid featuring magnificent racemes of coral red flowers whose colouring is quite unique in the commercial market. 

Very sturdy, pyramid-shaped racemes, 6” across at the base. Buds are detailed with beautiful green streaks.

The result of over half a century’s breeding work.

Height: 30”/ 75cm
Spread: 24”/60cm
Hardiness: US zones 5-8
Blooms: June-August 

Common name:
Larkspur

Patent status:
USA PPAF. Europe, PPAF

 
 
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All you need to know
05-12-2003 09:59 Arie Blom is here to tell us how to best treat this wonderful Delphinium.
By Arie Blom   

General
Does well in full sun, with an evenly moist, loamy and humusy soil. Plants are frost sensitive so a protective mulch is recommended in winter. Very wet winter soils should be avoided. Will re-bloom if cut back after flowering.

Planting

Delphinium ‘Coral Sunset’ prefers a soil rich in humus and loam, but it will grow in other soil types that are moist and fertile.  For planting a Delphinium, a generous hole must be made, much larger then the pot. The soil surrounding the roots must be enriched with compost or fertilizer and pressed firmly against the roots.

 

Soil care

It is recommended to give Delphinium a good amount of fertilizer in spring for good growth and flower development. In summer, especially after removing the first spent flower spikes, some fertilizer will help to maintain good growth.

Light and sandy soils tend to dry out easy, which must be avoided.  This can be accomplished by covering the soil with a good mulch.

 

Provide winter protection

This Delphinium elatum type was selected for its superb flower colour and strong stems, but not for its winter hardiness. Somewhere in its ancestry is a plant with a low tolerance for cold, and this mean sit is less hardy than other elatum types To help D. ‘Coral Sunset’ through the winter, provide a good protection like a thick mulch and ensure wet soils are avoided.

 

Sleeping beauty

This cultivar starts to re-grow a few weeks later then other D. elatum cultivars. Therefore attention has to be paid that the plant does not become overgrown by neighboring plants.

 

Staking

Delphinium 'Coral Sunset's impressively large flower spikes weigh heavily on its stems, even though they are strong. They are susceptible to breakage from wind and rain and are best staked for additional support.

 

Re-blooming

When the old flower stems are removed during growth season, the plant will re-bloom and will continue until it gets too cold. Some fertilizer at this time will help the plant to produce a next flush of flowers. In some cut flower production areas, like in Ecuador, D. elatum will continuously flower and will not die back.

 

Snails and slugs

Main pest problems in Delphinium are snails and slugs, which really can ruin your plants. It is important to keep them away especially early in the season, when they are most harmful for your plants.  Snails and slugs have an ability to find new shoots, even before they appear above the soil. There are several biological ways to deal with the problem, but slug poison is the best option if you really don't want to share your Delphiniums with slugs.

 

Mildew

Powdery mildew, characterized by a white dusty coating on the leaves, is a common problem in Delphinium. This usually occurs at the end of the season, when the plants have stopped growing. It is not fatal, but it looks unsightly. After dormancy the plant will re-grow without a trace of mildew.

Dry soil will weaken the Delphinium and makes it more susceptible to mildew. Therefore, a mulch that keeps the soil moist is one of the easiest ways to reduce mildew. In worst cases, thinning out of shoots or transplanting to a better place might help.

 
The Breeder
Nico Wigchert
By Miriam Young
Read all about this Delphinium fanatic, Nico Wigchert here.
The Story Behind the Plant
Delphinium 'Coral Sunset'
By Miriam Young
Delphinium ‘Coral Sunset’ is a cultivar over 50 years in the making, the product of an ongoing mission to create the elusive hardy red Delphinium.
Growing Tips
All you need to know
By Arie Blom
Arie Blom is here to tell us how to best treat this wonderful Delphinium.
Forum
General discussion on Delphinium 'Coral Sunset'
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