Delphiniums [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

David Bassett (Author), Shirley Bassett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 2007

Gardeners throughout the world love these majestic tall flowers, but few are aware of the many colors and forms that are now available with the burst of new cultivars, several of which have been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Not just blue, but red, pink, violet, yellow, and white forms exist to entice gardeners. Expert authors bring all their expertise and enthusiasm to this book, which is a much-awaited publication on a plant that offers much to the gardener. Introducing both wild and cultivated delphiniums and discussing breeding and the use of the flowers in the garden, the book also covers cultivation and propagation and talks about the pests and diseases that affect delphiniums.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The authors bring their know-how and zeal to a long-needed publication that describes both wild and cultivated delphiniums. Gardeners will appreciate topic coverage of cultivation, propagation, pests, and diseases." John Bagnasco, Garden Compass

"If you grow, want to grow or wish to learn about delphiniums, this is a 'must-have' book. This is a perfect gift for that gardener who likes to try new perennials."

Mansfield News Journal

Book Description

Best known for their intense blue flowers and key role in traditional perennial borders, delphiniums are classic garden plants. Most of the 300 or so species are perennials, but there are also nearly 60 annual species in this and the related genus Consolida—the true larkspurs. Several are native to the western United States and beloved by wildflower enthusiasts. This long-awaited book—the only book on the subject currently in print—provides a comprehensive survey of delphiniums and larkspurs. As well as describing the numerous species and cultivars, it discusses planting and cultivation considerations, propagation techniques, breeding programs, pests and diseases, and growing delphiniums in containers. Written by leading experts on the subject, and illustrated with wonderful photographs, it will fill a gap in the horticultural literature, providing information and inspiration to gardeners and wildflower lovers.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (January 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881928003
• ISBN-13: 978-0881928006
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,415,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Review, November 4, 2011

By 

Brett H "pentangle" (Brighton) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Delphiniums (Hardcover)

This is a comprehensive survey of the cultivation of delphiniums. It starts with a general introductory section and then there is some background describing where delphiniums can be found in the wild, which is mainly in the Northern Hemisphere apart from a few found in the mountain ranges of Africa. Also it reviews diversity within delphiniums including diversity in leaves, flowers etc.

There is an extensive section which considers which delphiniums can be found in each colour. This came as something of a surprise to me as I am used to seeing the plants in various shades of blue, mauve and white. However, there are some outstanding specimens in reds, pinks and yellows. The second half of the book deals with their cultivation, growing them in flowerbeds, containers etc, propagation, pests and diseases etc.

So to summarise, this is a reasonably competent and thorough review of delphiniums and there will be something of interest even for the expert I imagine.