Plant, maintain, multiply and more

Plant lark spur properly

Planting time is in September and October Larkspur. This applies equally to tubers and container plants. In the partially shaded location in the humus rich, moist and nutrient-rich soil, create small pits at a distance of 20-30 cm. For finished young plants, the hole should be about twice as large as the root ball. Plant Corydalis tubers and place them 5-8 cm deep in the ground. They improve the starting conditions for these perennials when the soil is enriched with compost and Horn shavings.(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) At the end please pour on and mulch with leaves, bark mulch or lawn clippings.

Care tips

A sufficient water supply is the mainstay in the correct care of larkspur. Water the wild perennial regularly, because drought stress significantly affects growth and abundance of flowers. In contrast, the native plant can do without fertilizers in the optimal location. A start fertilization with compost is still very welcome. If you cut out withered flower stalks regularly, the blaze of color will last longer. The foliage is only cut off when it is completely drawn in. Until then, the tuber draws in the remaining nutrients in order to create a depot. For winter protection, just leave the autumn leaves lying around and spread some fir fronds over them.

Which location is suitable?

The majority of larkspur species and varieties prefer a partially shaded location. Different varieties do not even worry about shady locations, such as the fern lark spur (Corydalis cheilanthifolia) or the middle larkspur (Corydalis intermedia). Other varieties thrive just as well in a sunny spot with sufficient soil moisture. Therefore, ask carefully when purchasing tubers and young plants in order to acquire the ideal perennial for the intended location.

What soil does the plant need?

The various lark spurs agree that they prefer a fresh, moist, nutrient-rich and well-drained soil. With regard to the soil acid value, of course, the wishes diverge. Corydalis are available as companions for rhododendrons in acidic soil, such as the cashmere lark spur (Corydalis cashmeriana). For the most part, however, the natural perennials want to be located in neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

When is the flowering time?

The multi-faceted variety of species and varieties offers us Corydalis beauties, which thanks to different flowering times ensure the perfect change of scene in the bed. We have compiled the flowering times of the most important larkspur species for beds and balconies here for you:

• Fingered lichen spur (Corydalis solida): Flowering period from March to April
• Blue lark spur (Corydalis elata): Flowering period from May to July
• Yellow lark spur (Corydalis lutea): flowering time from May to October

Take a close look at the pretty flowers. These have two mirror-identical halves along a single axis of symmetry. On an unbranched flower stalk, the tubular, up to 25 millimeters long individual flowers sit close together in beautiful red, blue and yellow tones.

Cut lark spur properly

If you cut off the faded stems regularly, this measure will extend the flowering time. In this way you also prevent excessive self-sowing. To do this, leave only a few flower stalks at the end of the flowering period, as experience has shown that the mother plants are quite short-lived. Please do not cut back close to the ground until the leaves have completely yellowed.

Pouring larkspur

Water is the elixir of life for the larkspur. You should therefore water the wild perennial abundantly and regularly without causing waterlogging. There is a higher need for watering in pots than in fresh and moist ones Garden soil. So check every 1-2 days with your finger whether the substrate has dried on. Put the normal tap water on the root area until the saucer fills up.

Fertilize larkspur properly

Under ideal site conditions in the nutrient-rich garden soil, it is sufficient to start fertilizing with compost and horn shavings. Bark humus, guano granulate or horse manure also get the lark spur going. Work in the organic material and pour more. If the wild perennial thrives in the bucket, apply a liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks from May until the end of the flowering period.

Overwinter

As part of the European flora, the larkspur is used to grief in winter. Even freezing frost cannot harm the wild shrub. Permanent moisture, on the other hand, can cause rot in the tubers. We therefore recommend leaving fallen leaves in the autumn and fixing them with needles. For the sake of caution, please cover planters with jute or foil and slide a block of wood underneath.

Larkspur multiply

Tuber-forming larkspur species, such as Corydalis intermedia, produce daughter tubers or brood bulbs. Dig up these perennials in autumn to cut off the small cuttings with a sharp, disinfected knife. You can either plant the nodules straight away in the garden or nurse the tiny ones in the pot first. Ball-forming species, such as Corydalis solida, are excellent for multiplying by division. Get the root ball out of the ground in autumn to cover it with the spade to be divided into two or more segments. You plant these parts at the new location in the compost-prepared soil and water them abundantly.

Is lark spur poisonous?

Larkspur is assigned to the poisonous ornamental plants. The reason for this is the toxic ingredients that are particularly concentrated in the tubers and rhizomes. The toxins are also contained in leaves, shoots and flowers. Consider You should therefore only cultivate Corydalis out of the reach of children and pets. Please store the tubers until they are planted out so that they cannot be confused with onions or vegetables.

Nice varieties

• Blue Summit: The premium variety delights with steel-blue flowers on panicles up to 8 cm long; Growth height 30-40 cm
• Yellow lark spur: Outstanding, very adaptable perennial with yellow flowers from May to October; Growth height 25-35 cm
• GP Bakker: The splendid spring bloomer boasts red flowers over filigree leaves from March; Growth height 15-20 cm
• Blue Heron: Blue flowering lark spur with evergreen, fern-like leaves for beds and pots; Growth height 20-25 cm
• Canary Feathers: Abundantly blooming ornamental shrub with canary-yellow flowers and fine pinnate leaves; Height of growth 30 cm