How to Grow Aurora Delphinium in Georgia
Delphiniums have many cultivars, including those in the "Aurora" series. Aurora Deep Purple and Aurora Blue are two common examples. These hybrid delphiniums grow tall, often 3 to 4 feet tall, producing lavish clusters of blooms that make outstanding cut flowers. Delphinium Auroras are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7, therefore they grow well throughout much of Georgia except the southern areas which are a bit too warm. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose a sunny area to grow delphinium Auroras. They will also fare well in light shade, especially some afternoon shade. Do not grow them in a windy area. The soil must also have good water drainage, so amend the top 12 to 15 inches with several inches of compost using a tiller or shovel.
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Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the delphinium's container. Take the plant out of the container and place it in the hole. The root ball must be at ground level. Back-fill the soil around the plant, tamping it down lightly. Water the plant with about 1 inch of water. Space multiple delphinium Auroras 24 inches apart.
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Apply 2 inches of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool during the summer, especially in Georgia where the summers can be quite hot. Each spring, add a 1/2 to 1 inch layer of compost and replenish the mulch.
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Clip back the stems when they fade, cutting them to the next side shoots. This habit will encourage more blooms for a longer period of time and sometimes a second set of blooms in the fall.
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Water delphinium Auroras every week from spring until fall with 1 inch of water, unless rainfall meet their needs. They prefer slightly moist soil so if you are experiencing a hot and dry spell, not uncommon in Georgia, then you may need to water them two or three times a week.
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Cut back the delphiniums' foliage back to about 1 to 2 inches in the fall after the plants die back. This will occur sometime in middle to late October after the first couple frosts. The plants will return in the spring.
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Tips & Warnings
Delphinium Auroras may need dividing every few years as they outgrow their space. Simply dig up the new plants in the spring, break up the clumps, and replant.
Stake the plants as they grow tall and begin to bend.
