Wellby's Larkspur
delphinium wellbyi
Also known as: ["Wellby's Delphinium"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to East Africa, known for its tall spikes of blue or purple flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Delphinium |
| Botanical Name: | Delphinium wellbyi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with partial afternoon shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–8"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days if humidity is below 50%
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout the growing season to remove dead or weak stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning which can reduce flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in cooler climates; partial shade in hot regions to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak afternoon heat in warm climates; protect from strong winds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
rich, well-draining loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not waterlogged; use mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); prefers cooler nights for optimal growth.
Protect from frost; avoid placing near heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures for flowering.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 weeks during growing season, monthly in spring and fall
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent weak stems.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or a specialized cutting mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; cut back leggy stems to a healthy bud or lateral branch.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruners or scissors; gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased growth; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for a month.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., row covers); move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, flower bud abortion, or reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicDelphinium wellbyi is toxic to cats due to its diterpene alkaloid content, which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological symptoms. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, and ingestion can lead to serious health complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe diterpene alkaloids in Delphinium wellbyi are highly toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. These compounds disrupt normal muscle function and can lead to life-threatening conditions if ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDelphinium wellbyi contains diterpene alkaloids, which interfere with neuromuscular transmission and can cause severe poisoning. The plant's effects are primarily due to the disruption of calcium channels, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially respiratory failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Delphinium wellbyi toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How tall does Delphinium wellbyi grow?
A: It typically grows to 1–2 meters tall.
Q: Does Delphinium wellbyi require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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