Echinacea ~ Coneflower Plant Care Guide ~ Varieties
Echinacea /ˌɛkɨˈneɪʃⁱə/[1] is a genus, or group of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. The nine species it contains are commonly called coneflowers. They are endemic to eastern and central North America, where they are found growing in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. They have large, showy heads of composite flowers, blooming from early to late summer. The generic name is derived from the Greek word ἐχῖνος (echino), meaning “sea urchin,” due to the spiny central disk. Some species are used in herbal medicines and some are cultivated in gardens for their showy flowers. A few species are of conservation concern.[citation needed]
Species
The species of Echinacea are
- Echinacea angustifolia – Narrow-leaf Coneflower
- Echinacea atrorubens – Topeka Purple Coneflower
- Echinacea laevigata – Smooth Coneflower, Smooth Purple Coneflower
- Echinacea pallida – Pale Purple Coneflower
- Echinacea paradoxa – Yellow Coneflower, Bush’s Purple Coneflower
- Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower
- Echinacea sanguinea – Sanguine purple Coneflower
- Echinacea simulata – Wavyleaf Purple Coneflower
- Echinacea tennesseensis – Tennessee Coneflower
Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service are using DNA analysis to help determine the number of Echinacea species. The DNA analysis allows researchers to reveal clear distinctions among species based on chemical differences in root metabolites. The research concluded that of the 40 genetically diverse populations of Echinacea studied, there were nine distinct species. [1]
Medicinal effects … continued at original link Here
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Coneflowers @ Old Farmer’s Almanac
Botanical name: Echinacea
Plant type: Flower
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Sun exposure: Full Sun
Soil type: Loamy
Flower color: Red, Pink, Purple, White
Coneflowers are bright perennials, some of which are used in herbal remedies. These flowers are easy to care for, relatively drought-tolerant, and are good for cut flowers. Coneflowers are daisy-like with raised centers. The seeds found in the dried flower head also attract songbirds to your garden.
Planting
- Loosen the soil in your garden using a garden fork or tiller to 12 to 15 inches deep, then mix in a 2– to 4–inch layer of compost.
- Plant the seeds in the spring in humus-rich, well-drained soil about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the type, in full sun. Coneflowers can tolerate some shade.
- If you are moving a potted plant outside from inside, dig a hole about twice the pot’s diameter and carefully place the plant in the soil. Bury the plant to the top of the root ball, but make sure the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water it thoroughly.
Care
- In the spring, put a thin layer of compost around the plants, then a 2–inch layer of mulch to help keep the plants moist and prevent weeds.
- If you receive less than an inch of rain a week, water your plants regularly during the summer.
- If your plants are floppy, cut them to the ground after they flower.
- Remember to cut off the dead/faded flowers to prolong to blooming season and prevent excessive self-seeding. To attract birds, keep the late-season flowers on the plants to mature.
- Divide your plants into clumps every 3 to 4 years in spring or autumn, although coneflowers do not like excessive disturbance.
Pests
- Leaf miners
- Powdery mildew
- Bacterial spots
- Gray mold
- Vine weevils
Recommended Varieties
- Robert Bloom (Echinacea purpurea), which has prominent, dark orange centers with bright crimson flower petals.
- Tennessee coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis), which has greenish-pink centers with dark mauve flower petals.
- Finale White (Echinacea purpurea), which has creamy white flower heads with greenish-brown centers.
Special Features
- Attracts Butterflies
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See Also …
Echinacea: Growing Guide @ Organic Gardening
Coneflower @ National Gardening Assoc.
Growing Echinacea @ Gardening Guides.com
Coneflowers/Echinacea Planting Guide @ Easy to Grow Bulbs
Coneflower, Purple @ Cornell Uni
Astilbe ~ False Spirea Plant Care Guide ~ Varieties
Astilbe /əˈstɪlbiː/[1] is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants, within the family Saxifragaceae, native to mountain ravines and woodland in Asia and North America.[2] Some species are commonly known as false goat’s beard, and false spirea.
These hardy herbaceous perennials are cultivated by gardeners for their large, handsome, often fern-like foliage, and dense, feathery plumes of flowers. They are widely adapted to shade and water-logged conditions, hence they are particularly associated with pond-side planting. They also tolerate clay soils well. Numerous hybrid cultivars have been raised. Flowers of at least some astilbe species have a strong and pleasant aroma.
Species of Astilbe include:
- Astilbe biternata (Vent.) Britt.
- Astilbe chinensis (Maxim.) Franch. & Sav.
- Astilbe crispa (Arends) Bergmans
- Astilbe grandis Stapf ex E. H. Wilson
- Astilbe japonica (C.Morren & Decne.) A.Gray
- Astilbe longicarpa (Hayata) Hayata
- Astilbe macroflora Hayata
- Astilbe microphylla Knoll
- Astilbe platyphylla H. Boiss.
- Astilbe rivularis Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don
- Astilbe rivularis var. angustifoliolata H. Hara
- Astilbe rivularis var. myriantha (Diels) J. T. Pan
- Astilbe rubra Hook. f. & Thomson
- Astilbe sikokumontana Koidz.
- Astilbe simplicifolia Makino
- Astilbe thunbergii (Siebold & Zucc.) Miq.
- Astilbe thunbergii var. congesta H. Boissieu
- Astilbe thunbergii var. fujisanensis (Nakai) Ohwi
- Astilbe thunbergii var. hachijoensis (Nakai) Ohwi
- Astilbe thunbergii var. kiusiana Hara
- Astilbe thunbergii var. longipedicellata Hatus.
- Astilbe thunbergii var. okuyamae (Hara) Ohwi
- Astilbe thunbergii var. shikokiana (Nakai) Ohwi
- Astilbe thunbergii var. terrestris (Nakai) Ohwi
Cultivar Groups
Commonly accepted cultivar groups are:
- Astilbe Arendsii Group
- Astilbe Crispa Group
- Astilbe Japonica Group
- Astilbe Simplicifolia Group
The following varieties and cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society‘s Award of Garden Merit:-
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Astilbe @ Old Farmer’s Almanac
Botanical name: Astilbe
Plant type: Flower
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
Soil type: Loamy
Flower color: Red, Pink, White
Astilbe is a perennial with beautiful, showy flowers atop glossy, fern–like foliage. Its flower clusters vary in size from 6 inches to 2 feet and its height varies from 6 inches to 5 feet, depending on the type. Astilbes are easy to care for and will live for a long time in your garden. Their only requirement is moisture.
Planting
- You can plant astilbe seeds, but they are short–lived and difficult to germinate. It is easier to plant the divisions from other astilbe plants.
- Plant the divisions in the spring or fall about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the type. If you are planting bare-root plants, make sure the holes are twice as wide as the plants and 4 to 6 inches deep. Place the plants so that the crown is 1 to 2 inches below the ground level. Cover the roots with soil and press firmly.
- Make sure to plant the divisions in consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Dry soil can be fatal to your plants. If you like in the North, you can plant them in full sun as long as they have moist soil. To prolong the foliage, provide shade from hot afternoon sun. In warmer regions, you must plant astilbes in light to partial shade. Astilbes can grow in deep shade but will not flower as much.
Care
- Remember to regularly check your astilbes to make sure they are moist. Water accordingly.
- Astilbes spread quickly and form broad clumps. Their crowns often rise above the soil as they grow, so make sure to cover them with humus-rich soil or lift and replant the clumps.
- Your astilbes will benefit from a balanced organic fertilizer applied in the spring.
- Be sure to divide the overgrown clumps every 3 to 4 years in the spring. You can either replant the divisions immediately or put them in pots to be planted out in the early summer when they are re-established.
- Removing the flower heads will not promote continued flowering.
Pests
- Tarnished plant bug
- Powdery mildew
- Bacterial leaf spots
Recommended Varieties
- Fanal, for its dark green foliage and dark crimson flowers
- Irrlicht, for its dark green foliage and elegant white flowers
- Venus, for its bright green foliage and bright pink flowers
Special Features
- Attracts Butterflies
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See Also ….
Native Plant Database
Astilbe @ National Gardening Assoc.
Astilbe Planting Guide @ Easy to Grow Bulbs
Tickseed ~ Coreopsis Plant Care Guide and Varieties
Coreopsis
Prized for its dependable nature and colorful, daisylike flowers, coreopsis has a long bloom period and is generally troublefree and easy to grow. Another common name is tickseed.
About This Plant
Coreopsis is tolerant of a variety of soil types and environmental conditions, making it a popular choice for home gardeners. Tall varieties can reach 4 feet in height and are good for the back of the border and in cutting gardens. Shorter, mounding varieties are more delicate and good for edging. Most coreopsis sport yellow flowers, although a pink variety is also available.
Special Features
Easy care/low maintenance
Multiplies readily
Good for cut flowers
Tolerates dry soil
Site Selection
Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil.
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring, spacing plants 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot the plant is in. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface. Carefully fill in around the rootball and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly.
Care
Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Stake tall varieties to keep them upright. After the first killing frost, cut stems back to an inch or two above soil line. Divide plants every few years as new growth begins in the spring, lifting plants and dividing them into clumps.
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Coreopsis palmata
One classification of the genus into sections is:
- Coreopsis sect. Calliopsis
- Coreopsis sect. Coreopsis
- Coreopsis sect. Eublepharis
- Coreopsis sect. Gyrophyllum
- Coreopsis sect. Leptosyne
- Coreopsis sect. Pugiopappus
- Coreopsis sect. Silphidium
- Coreopsis sect. Tuckermannia[3]
Selected species
- Coreopsis auriculata L. – Lobed Tickseed
- Coreopsis basalis (A.Dietr.) S.F.Blake – Goldenmane Tickseed
- Coreopsis bigelovii (A.Gray) Voss – Bigelow’s Tickseed
- Coreopsis californica (Nutt.) H.Sharsm. – California Tickseed
- Coreopsis calliopsidea (DC.) A.Gray – Leafstem Tickseed
- Coreopsis cuneifolia Greenm.
- Coreopsis cyclocarpa S.F.Blake
- Coreopsis delphiniifolia Lam. – Larkspurleaf Tickseed
- Coreopsis douglasii (DC.) H.M.Hall – Douglas’s Tickseed
- Coreopsis floridana E.B.Sm. – Florida Tickseed
- Coreopsis gigantea (Kellogg) H.M.Hall – Giant Coreopsis
- Coreopsis gladiata Walter – Coastalplain Tickseed
- Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet – Large-flowered Tickseed
- Coreopsis hamiltonii (Elmer) H. Sharsm. – Mount Hamilton Tickseed
- Coreopsis integrifolia Poir. – Fringeleaf Tickseed
- Coreopsis intermedia Sherff – Goldenwave Tickseed
- Coreopsis lanceolata L. – Lance Coreopsis, Lance-leaf Tickseed
- Coreopsis latifolia Michx. – Broadleaf Tickseed
- Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & A.Gray – Leavenworth’s Tickseed
- Coreopsis linifolia Nutt. – Texas Tickseed
- Coreopsis major Walter – Greater Tickseed
- Coreopsis maritima (Nutt.) Hook.f. – Sea Dahlia
- Coreopsis mcvaughii D.J.Crawford
- Coreopsis mutica DC.
- Coreopsis nudata Nutt. – Georgia Tickseed
- Coreopsis nuecensis A.Heller – Crown Tickseed
- Coreopsis nuecensoides E.B.Sm. – Rio Grande Tickseed
- Coreopsis palmata Nutt. – Stiff Tickseed
- Coreopsis paludosa M.E.Jones
- Coreopsis petrophila A.Gray
- Coreopsis petrophiloides B.L.Rob. & Greenm.
- Coreopsis pubescens Elliott – Star Tickseed
- Coreopsis pulchra F.E.Boynton – Woodland Tickseed
- Coreopsis rosea Nutt. – Pink Tickseed
- Coreopsis rudis (Benth.) Hemsl.
- Coreopsis stillmanii (A.Gray) S.F.Blake – Stillman’s Tickseed
- Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. – Plains Coreopsis
- Coreopsis tripteris L. – Tall Tickseed
- Coreopsis verticillata L. – Whorled Tickseed
- Coreopsis wrightii (A.Gray) H.M.Parker – Rock Tickseed[8][9]
Formerly placed here
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See Also ….
How to Care for Tickseed Flowers
Tickseed Guide @ Fine Gardening
How to Grow and Care for Tickseeds and other Coreopsis Plants
Butterfly Bush ~ Buddleja davidii Plant Care Guide ~ Summer Lilac
Old Farmers Almanac
Botanical name: Buddleia davidii
Plant type: Shrub
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Sun exposure: Full Sun
Soil type: Any
Soil pH: Varies
Flower color: Red, Pink, Yellow, Purple, White
Want a guaranteed butterfly and hummingbird magnet? Or, one of the most fragrant of shrubs? Plant a buddleia (butterfly bush).
This fast-growing, deciduous shrub with long, arching shoots will reach heights of 6 to 8 feet. Although the green leaves add a welcome bit of color to any landscape, it is the masses of blossoms—long, seductively spiked trusses—that are special. From summer to autumn, the butterfly bush bears dense panicles, 12 inches or more long, that fill the air with a fruity scent.
At its northern limits, the shrubs can die back, sometimes all the way to the ground. No matter. Butterfly bush is vigorous and undemanding and will send up new shoots, given a sunny location and average garden soil.
Note: Butterfly bush can be an invasive species in some areas; check with your local cooperative extension before planting.
Planting
- Buddleias need full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
- Plant in spring or fall.
- Loosen the soil, mix in compost, and dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant container.
- When placing the plant in the hole, the top of the rootball should be level with the soil surface
- Space plants 5 to 10 feet apart, depending on the variety.
- Water thoroughly.
Care
- Water freely when in growth and sparingly otherwise. In the summer, water if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.
- Avoid fertilizing butterfly bush; too much fertility supports leaf growth over flower production.
- Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new shoots and flower buds.
- Each spring, apply a thin layer of compost and mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
- In cold Northern climates, spread mulch up to 6 inches deep around the trunk to nurture it through the winter.
- Buddleias are very late to break dormancy, so don’t be in a hurry to assess winter damage.
- The bush should bloom abundantly even in its first year. In warmer climates, the bushes will grow into trees and develop rugged trunks that peel; peeling is normal.
- In the northern limit of their range, they behave as herbaceous perennials, dying back to the root in cold winters.
- Since they bloom on new wood, even if there is no die-back, cut them back to the ground every spring. Even where winters are mild enough for the stems to survive, prune severely to stimulate abundant growth on which flowers are borne.
Pests
- Susceptible to capsid bug, caterpillars, weevils, mullein moth, and spider mites.
- Fungal leaf spots and die-backs can occur.
Recommended Varieties
- ‘Lockinch‘ is a spreading, vigorous, deciduous shrub with long, arching shoots. mid-green leaves, and fragrant violet-blue flowers. Grows 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
- ‘Petite Indigo‘ (syn. ‘Nanho Blue‘) has slender leaves and narrow panicles of pale lilac-blue flowers. Grows 4 to 5 feet tall and wide.
- ‘White Profusion‘ has large, very white flower spikes and grows 10 feet high and 15 feet wide.
Special Features
- Attracts Butterflies
- Attracts Birds
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In his 1979 revision of the taxonomy of the African and Asiatic species of Buddleja, the Dutch botanist Anthonius Leeuwenberg sank the six varieties of the species as synonyms of the type, considering them to be within the natural variation of a species, and unworthy of varietal recognition. [5] It was Leeuwenberg’s taxonomy which was adopted in the Flora of China[6] published in 1996. However, as the distinctions of the former varieties are still widely recognized in horticulture, they are treated separately here:
Cultivation
Buddleja davidii cultivars are much appreciated worldwide as ornamentals, but perhaps more so for the value of their flowers as a nectar source for many species of butterfly. However, this species is not able to survive the harsh winters of northern or montane climates, being killed by temperatures below about -15 to -20 °C (5 to -4 °F). Even if not killed to the ground, the shrub is usually hard-pruned to just above the lowest pair of leaf buds, i.e. to within 15 – 25 cm of the ground, in spring once frosts have finished, as the younger wood is more floriferous. Deadheading is also of great value, in extending a flowering season otherwise limited to about 6 weeks, although the flowers of the second and third flushes are invariably smaller; the practice also reduces the nuisance of self-seeding. USDA zones 5 – 9. [7]
There are approximately 180 davidii cultivars as well as numerous hybrids with B. globosa and B. fallowiana grown in gardens. Many of these cultivars are of a dwarf habit growing to no more than 1.5 metres (4.9 ft). The following davidii cultivars held the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2012:-
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See Also ….
English Wildflowers a Seasonal Guide
Buddleja davidii Franch. ~ orange eye butterflybush
Gaillardia ~ Blanket Flower Plant Care Guide and Varieties
Blanket Flower
If you’re looking for a perennial with a long season of bloom, blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora) is a great choice. The daisy-like flowers are produced from early summer to early fall in shades of orange, red and yellow, adding sizzle to the garden and attracting nectar-seeking butterflies.
About This Plant
Produced above a clump of hairy, narrow, gray-green leaves, the blossoms of perennial blanket flower have petals that may be solid colored shades of yellow, wine red , orange or peach, or may be banded in combinations of red or orange with yellow. The petals of some are frilled, while others have a unique, tubular shape. Sizes range from 10-12 inch high dwarfs to selections as tall as 24-30 inches.
All are easy care plants with few insect or disease problems and most are hardy in zones 3-9. There is also an annual blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) that is easy to grow from seed. Start seeds early indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost, transplanting to the garden when the weather has warmed. In warm-winter areas, sow seeds directly in late fall or very early spring. Varieties are available with single, double and semi-double flowers.
Special Features
Besides attracting butterflies, blanket flowers can be grown in containers and the taller cultivars make nice cut flowers.
Here are some popular cutivars of the perennial: Gaillardia x grandiflora:
Gaillardia ‘Ariziona Sun’ This 8-10 inch high variety sports masses of bright orange-red blossoms tipped with yellow on a dwarf plant.
Gaillardia ‘Fanfare’ Unusual, trumpet-shaped petals of deep red tipped with yellow on a 14 inch high plant surround a burnt orange center.
Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ With marmalade-orange flowers that shade subtly to peach at the tips, this 2 foot tall variety may need staking.
Gaillardia ‘Burgundy’ As its name suggests, this variety bears large, 3 inch wide wine-red blossoms on a 24-30 inch tall plant.
Gaillardia ‘Oranges and Lemons’ This variety offers softer colors than other blanket flowers, with peach-colored, yellow-tipped blossoms with gold central cones on a 2 foot tall plant. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Site Selection
Full sun and very well-drained soil are musts for blanket flowers to thrive. They prefer loose, sandy soil that isn’t overly fertile with a pH near neutral or slightly alkaline. Established plants are quite drought tolerant.
Planting Instructions
Container grown plants can be set out throughout the growing season, but spring or fall planting is ideal. Space dwarf cultivars about a foot apart; taller varieties should be set about 18 inches apart. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot the plant is in. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Carefully fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly.
Care
Deadhead plants regularly to encourage more flowering. Blanket flowers are often relatively short-lived. Cutting back clumps to 6 inches in late summer often increases their chances of winter survival. You can also keep your plants vigorous by dividing them every 2-3 years in spring or early fall. Water newly set out or divided plants regularly until they become established. Blanket flowers have few insect or disease problems. Watch for aphids and leafhoppers that can spread a virus-like disease called aster yellows. Control insects with insecticidal soap, if needed, and destroy any plants that are stunted with flowers that remain green, as these are infected with aster yellows.
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See Also …
Native Plant Database
PlantFiles: Blanket Flower, Indian Blanket ~ Gaillardia pulchella
Firewheel(Gaillardia pulchella)
Gaillardia pulchella
Delphinium ~ Larkspur Plant Care Guide and Varieties
Delphinium
Delphinium is a stately, elegant perennial that is a standard in English cottage gardens. Mounds of dark green, glossy foliage are adorned with huge spikes of showy, spurred flowers in early summer. Another common name is larkspur, although this name usually refers to annual varieties.
About This Plant
Delphiniums thrive in regions with relatively cool and moist summers, and often struggle in hot, dry summer weather. However, some new varieties are more tolerant of heat.
Delphiniums are available in a range of sizes, from dwarf varieties less than 2 feet tall to those with towering, 6-foot blooms. Flower color includes blue, red, white, and yellow; however, the rich, clear blues are especially prized by many gardeners. The plants bloom in late spring to early summer, and the flowers are suitable for cutting.
Special Features
Good for cut flowers
Site Selection
Select a site with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Choose an area protected from strong winds to keep tall, top-heavy varieties from blowing over.
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring, spacing plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot the plant is in. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Carefully fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly.
Care
Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Soil should never dry out. Stake tall varieties to prevent hollow flower stalks from snapping in the wind, and deadhead after flowering to encourage rebloom. After the first killing frost, cut stems back to an inch or two above soil line. Divide plants every three to four years as new growth begins in the spring, lifting plants and dividing them into clumps.
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How to Care for Larkspur
Overview
Include larkspur in your flower garden and the tall, stately spikes will produce blooms in shades of purple, blue, rose, pink and white all summer long. Most strains are tall enough to be a backdrop for other flowers, and they’re especially beautiful planted along a wall or a garden fence. Small varieties are compact enough to make a colorful border plant. Clip a few for a fresh floral arrangement or dry them for a cheery winter bouquet.
Step 1
Stake larkspur to prevent it from breaking in the event of a strong wind. Some larkspurs can grow to a height of 5 feet or more, and although the stalks are sturdy, the blooms are heavy and can cause the plant to lean and break. The easiest way to stake a tall plant like larkspur is to insert a wooden stake into the soil about 3 inches from the larkspur’s stem. Tie the stem to the stake loosely with soft twine or a strip of pantyhose.
Step 2
Water larkspur twice a week, and more during dry periods, and give it an all purpose fertilizer every other week. Just before the larkspur begins to bloom, give it a high potassium fertilizer. Check the instructions on the package label for amounts.
Step 3
Cut the blooms for cut flower arrangements just before they reach full bloom. Use garden shears or sturdy scissors to cut long stems to arrange in a vase. Don’t worry about removing too much stem from the plant, as pruning will encourage more blooms. Deadheading any spent blossoms will allow the plant’s energy to go into developing new larkspur flowers. To deadhead, just clip the stem below the spent blossom, or pinch it off with your fingers.
Step 4
Watch the larkspur for signs of problems. Although larkspur isn’t prone to insect problems, it can develop mildew, which is a type of fungus that can be recognized by white or black spots on either side of the leaves, or by a powdery, stringy substance. If the problem persists, the leaves will become distorted, or will turn brown or yellow and will eventually fall off. Treat the infected plant immediately with a fungicide, following the directions on the label carefully.To avoid mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and adequate sunlight.
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See Also ……
Native Plant Database with list of 31 wildflower Larkspur Varieties
How To Grow Larkspur Plants In The Garden
Larkspur @ the flower experts
Delphinium ~ larkspur @ botany.com
Delphinium ~ Larkspur Plant Profile @ USDA Plant database
Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot 
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