>> Rick, do they grow in zone 8?
Delphiniums? For sure, Delphinium elatum 'Pacific Giant' does great in MY Zone 8. I have mild dry summers as well as mild winters (and clouds and occasional drizzle the rest of the year).
But there are Zone 8s in Texas that I think would fry them to a crisp.
Here are some notes I found:
"Delphiniums thrive in regions with relatively cool and moist summers, and often struggle in hot, dry summer weather"
(I water mine fairly often in the summer, and give them coarse bark mulch )
"full sun (??to light shade??) and well-drained soil. "
"Choose an area protected from strong winds" (and/or support very well)
"Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Soil should never dry out. "
"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. " ( < - - I didn't do this, and lost mine )
Graceful Gardens said "heavy feeders" - give them lots of compost (?or manure?). I'm having trouble connecting to Graceful Gardens right now. they had good advice.
www.gracefulgardens.com/information/information?information_id=9
(Thanks to Goldfinch4 / Chris.)
