The Meconopsis are very fussy. We got one flower one time - that's it. They are best grown in the northwest.

I wanted to try the blues too until I read how hard they are. They definitely wouldn't survive here.

We always want the plants our climate won't allow us to have.

I tried some Blue Himalayan Poppy from seed once. They germinated, but when summer heat set in they simply disappeared. I've seen beautiful photos of them blooming in Alaska and in Washington, but haven't heard of anyone succeeding with them anywhere else. They're now filed under "enjoy pictures of those others grow" category now, along with Lupines and Delphiniums.

A friend of mine went to Baucaut ( sp) Gardens when she was in Seattle. She gave me seeds and when I tried to tell her they are only good for the Northwest she wouldnt believe it. I planted them as did Neal and they germinated but never bloomed and died. I was told its the Japanese Currant that keeps the temps cooler there as well as maintaining the proper humidity.
I simply dont have time for fussy plants. I enjoy photos of Lupine,Delphs and Larkspur.

Neal and Jo Ann, I can't grow those, either. I have tried them all a few times but, alas, they all passed on. Dirtdorphins gave me a Lupine 2 weeks ago and I've already killed it.

well that is a bummer. I love blue flowers and our Lowes had some delphinium but I looked them up and they are grown as annual here. Kinda pricey at 6 or 8 $ a pop.

I agree, Frilly. Same story here with one nursery charging $20. for a pot of delphiniums.

There is a native delphinium...
It is challenging to grow too...

The varmints eat it... which makes it difficult to propagate...

And those flowers are challenging to photograph...


Delphinium carolinianum
http://stonethegardener.tumblr...

I'm surprised that you have problems growing larkspur...
They tend to self sow at my house... unfortunately, they're a pain to weed around...
... and the seedlings look like carolina geranium...

Stone, I love Delphinium carolinianum- they grown wild in Kentucky, mostly in the central and western parts of the state.


Larkspurs grow well here, they're my go to substitute for tall Delphiniums.

@gemini_sage The entry says that you have this native delphinium.

Wild collected? or growing naturally?

What is your experiences vis a vis critters eating the plant before it sets seed?



I wild collected a single specimen...
and with the critter's help, I only seem to have two, in spite of my efforts to increase the collection.

well I must admit, nothing has a good chance of germinating at my place because I use Preen. I have a weed problem REALLY bad.
Also I am diligent at pulling out anything that sprouts--whoops!

That plant was collected from the wild, growing here on the farm where I live. It was a single plant, but has increased nicely and form a sweet little clump. I've never seen any pest damage on this plant or the wild ones growing around here. I allow them to go to seed each year, but haven't found seedlings yet, which seems odd considering it is growing well.

A couple of years ago, I was driving along a stretch of wooded area nearby, where the road followed alongside a stream. I was overwhelmed- these were blooming everywhere! Most of them, about 85% were the violet color in the photo above, and the others were white. I had to pull over and walk around and appreciate them up close. While looking around, I found a solitary bloom in a rosy- amethyst color. I dug that one and brought it home, but haven't seen it bloom again yet. The move set it back, but it did survive and I expect to see blooms this spring.

The best source I have found for delphiniums at a great price is gracefulgardens.com Amanda and Mark are two of the nicest people to do business with. For the first time last year I started having problems with the rabbits eating my delphs. Prior to that they never messed with them. They have already started this year. I did a trade last year with Oberon - Mary in Alaska for some blue poppies. I planted them in two separate location and caged them in so that nothing would dig them up. I am hoping that they survived the winter. They were planted in a shady area that's sunny before the trees and lilacs leaf out. I have had good luck with the lupine called " The Governor". It has been here at least seven years. All the others have been short lived. Some variety of delphs are short lived also.

those are pretty.

Those are gorgeous, Mike! Delphs have some of the most beautiful blues in flowers.

There are near black Tulips and Iris.

Also deep purple mimosa tree Chocolate Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate')

Keith . the black iris competition is really fierce. It seems there are new versions every year .Gardeners trying to get as black an iris as possible.
I am happy with my daughters NOID and my Superstition.


Superstition

ge1836 said:Keith . the black iris competition is really fierce. It seems there are new versions every year .Gardeners trying to get as black an iris as possible.
I am happy with my daughters NOID and my Superstition.


Superstition

They are great! Mix them with orange for a Halloween in Summer garden

@stone Look what I found- Carolina Larkspur seedlings!