Dark spur (the gardener also calls the mostly perennial herb “Delphinium”) is a very large and diverse family of plants that is part of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The popular garden plant can be propagated via cuttings, by sowing - although many delphiniums even sow themselves - and easily by division.
How to divide delphiniums correctly?
To divide delphiniums successfully, carefully dig up the perennial in spring or autumn, divide the root ball into pieces, paying attention to outer, growing parts and replant them in a new location. Use a digging fork to avoid root damage.
Root fibrous to tuberous
The appearance of the root systems depends on the type of delphinium. Some delphiniums develop more fibrous root systems, while others, especially the early flowering varieties, develop tuberous roots. The shoots that grow upright are woody at the base and only have a few leaves. The latter also become smaller and smaller towards the top.
Procedure for dividing depending on the root
How exactly you divide the nest depends on its condition. Root tubers are divided with a sharp knife or spade, while perennials with fine fibrous roots are best broken apart carefully by hand. Ultimately, as few roots as possible should be damaged in order to make it easier for the plant to grow later.
Sharing delphiniums – here’s how to do it
Like many perennials, delphinium can be easily and easily propagated by division. At the same time, older specimens in particular are drastically rejuvenated by this measure. Delphiniums usually tolerate being divided very well and grow back quickly.
- Carefully dig up the perennial to be divided in spring or fall.
- It is best to use a digging fork (€139.00 on Amazon) to avoid damaging any roots.
- Divide the root ball into several pieces.
- How exactly you do this depends on the roots.
- Each section ideally has two to three he althy shoots.
- Untangle fine roots carefully by hand.
- Remove dead plants and weeds.
- Immediately plant the individual sections in new locations.
Transplant outer sections only
Important: The most vigorous parts of the delphinium are at the outermost edges of the clump. The inner sections are usually bare and are not suitable for propagation. They are therefore better added to the compost.
Tips & Tricks
“If the sky is gray on gray, the weather is perfect for transplanting,” it says in Austrian. In fact, it is better not to plant, move or divide plants on a hot day in bright sunshine. To make it easier for the young delphiniums to grow and to protect them from drying out, it is best to divide them on a cloudy or even rainy day.