Delphinium likiangense — Columnar upright

Overview

Delphinium likiangense is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Delphinium likiangense grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.

About

Delphinium likiangense is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Delphinium genus, known for its columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage. This plant thrives in full sun and sheltered positions, favouring fertile, well-drained soils ranging from chalk to clay and sand, with a pH that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for cottage, informal, and wildlife gardens. Delphinium likiangense flowers in spring and summer, adding vertical interest with its prominent, bowl-shaped flowers arranged in spikes.

About the genus

Delphinium is a genus of about 300 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also on the high mountains of tropical Africa. The genus was erected by Carl Linnaeus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Delphinium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Delphinium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Delphinium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Delphinium likiangense size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Columnar upright
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Delphinium likiangense

Propagation: Propagate by taking pencil thick basal cuttings in early spring or propagate by seed in spring or autumn (cultivars will not come true)
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to aphids, earwigs, delphinium leaf miner, delphinium moth caterpillars, slugs, snails and caterpillars
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildews, delphinium black blotch, crown rot and viruses

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Delphinium likiangense?

Delphinium likiangense prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Delphinium likiangense need?

Delphinium likiangense is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Delphinium likiangense hardy in the UK?

Delphinium likiangense has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Delphinium likiangense?

Propagate by taking pencil thick basal cuttings in early spring or propagate by seed in spring or autumn (cultivars will not come true).

More in the Delphinium genus

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