GARDENING : Vertical Reality: Delphinium Follows Straight and Narrow

Few flowers lend an elegant presence to the garden like the delphinium. This tall, stately plant has stalks covered with flower spikes that come in various colors, including lavender, pink, violet, purple, red, yellow and white.

Not only are delphiniums stunning, the flower blossoms also attract plenty of birds.

Now is the time to plant this elegant perennial.

Delphiniums planted in December will develop a strong root system over winter and bloom vigorously by April and through August, said Susan Kanno, sales associate and color buyer at Armstrong Garden Center in Santa Ana.

You can find delphiniums in the nursery now in six-packs, 4-inch pots and gallon containers. Plants and seeds can also be purchased through mail-order catalogues.

There are many varieties of colors and sizes from which to choose. Some common types include:

Pacific Giants are tall, growing up to 8 feet. They make a great cut flower. Many are blue, although you may find some in white, purple, lavender and pink. It’s important to stake this type of delphinium by the time it reaches 2 feet. Secure it with bamboo stakes and twist ties or green tie tape, which can all be found at the nursery.

For a shorter variety, try the Magic Fountains, which grow 2 to 2 1/2 feet. These come in blue, pink and violet.

A good dwarf variety is the Chinese delphinium. It thrives in containers and grows to 1 foot or less. It comes in shades of blue and has serrated foliage that has a lacy look.

To successfully grow delphiniums, Kanno suggests keeping the following tips in mind.

* Delphiniums are tall, narrow plants that look best when planted in groups or clusters of three or six. Plant them in a sunny spot and avoid setting them in a straight line.

* Provide fertile, loose, well-draining soil. Generously amend with compost or planter mix when planting.

* Plant delphiniums at the same level of the existing root ball, being careful not to cover the root crown, which is where the roots and top of the plant join.

* Fertilize at planting and regularly with a balanced organic fertilizer, such as 5-5-5 or 10-10-10 or use a synthetic time release fertilizer such as 14-14-14.

* Mulch in winter and spring. This will keep the roots warm in cold weather and cool when temperatures rise. The mulch will also help maintain a moist soil and will slowly break down the soil and condition it.

* Water delphiniums on a regular basis. They do best when kept evenly moist. Don’t allow them to dry out.

* Put out snail bait. Snails and slugs find delphiniums especially tasty.

* After delphiniums finish flowering, cut flower spikes in half and leave a hollow stem. This will encourage new, healthy growth at the bottom. Once foliage appears at the plant base and looks sturdy, completely cut off the old stems.

Delphiniums can be purchased as plants or seed through a variety of catalogue companies, including:

* Park Seed Co., Cokesbury Road, Greenwood, S.C., 29647-0001, (800) 845-3369. Carries seeds and plants. Free catalogue.

* Wayside Gardens, 1 Garden Lane, Hodges, S.C., 29695-0001, (800) 845-1124. Carries plants only. Free catalogue.

* W. Atlee Burpee & Co., 300 Park Ave., Warminster, Pa., 18974, (800) 888-1447. Carries plants and seeds. Free catalogue.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

December Planting List

Although your thoughts are probably on the holidays, the weather remains nice for gardening, and there are still a number of flowers and vegetables that can be planted now.

But because of the short amount of daylight we have at this time of year, be aware that seeds will take much longer to germinate than it says on the seed packet. If you don’t want to wait, put in transplants when possible.

Flowers from seed or starter plants

African daisy

Alyssum

Calendula

Candytuft

Carnation

Cyclamen

Delphinium

English daisy

Foxglove

Hollyhock

Iceland poppy

Larkspur

Pansy

Penstemon

Primula

Shasta daisy

Snapdragon

Stock

Viola

Vegetables from seed or starter plants

Artichoke

Arugula

Beet

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Carrot

Celery

Endive

Garlic

Kale

Kohlrabi

Lettuce

Mustard greens

Onion

Parsley

Peas

Radishes

Spinach

Swiss chard

Turnip

Researched by Julie Bawden Davis / For The Times