Delphinium – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For

Delphinium, while breathtakingly beautiful, is not immune to pest or diseases issues. Here's a list of some of the most common pests and diseases that target delphiniums

Stately and elegant, delphinium flowers add a touch of charm to any garden.

Delphinium: A Symphony of Spire Blooms

Delphinium, commonly known as larkspur, is a classic annual or perennial that graces gardens with tall, elegant spires of colorful blooms. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, it belongs to the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, along with clematis, columbines, and poppies.

A favorite among cottage garden enthusiasts, its flowers range from deep blues and purples to vibrant pinks, whites, and even reds.

Delphiniums can reach heights of up to 8 feet (240 cm), depending on the variety, with flowers neatly arranged along their elongated stems.

These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer rich, well-draining soil.

They’re especially cherished for their ability to bring vertical interest to garden beds. However, delphiniums require some care; staking is often necessary to support their tall growth, and they need protection from strong winds.

Gardeners should also be aware that all parts of the delphinium are toxic if ingested, so they should be planted away from curious pets and children.

Delphiniums, How to care for Delphiniums, Planting Delphiniums, Growing Delphiniums, Delphinium care, Delphinium Flower

Delphinium – Pest Issues

Delphiniums, while breathtakingly beautiful, are not immune to pest issues. Here’s a list of some of the most common pests that target delphiniums, with their associated damages and suggested treatments:

Pest	Damage	Treatment
Aphids	Tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap, often leading to curled, yellowed, or distorted leaves. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew which can lead to sooty mold.	Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, damsel bugs, or hoverflies.
Borers	Wilting, especially in the heat of the day. Entry and exit holes may be found in the stems, sometimes accompanied by frass (excrement).	Prevention is the best approach. Properly disposing of plant debris at the end of the season can help reduce the borer population. If borers are detected, the affected stems should be removed and destroyed. In severe cases, consider applying an appropriate insecticide to the base of the plants in early summer.
Cutworms	They are caterpillar pests that pose a significant threat, especially to young plants. They get their name because of their behavior of “cutting” off a seedling at ground level by chewing through the stem	Hand-picking, physical barriers (collars made from cardboard, aluminum foil, or plastic can be placed around the base of seedlings), tilling, diatomaceous earth, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Birds, toads, and ground beetles are natural predators of cutworms.
Cyclamen Mites	Infested plants may exhibit stunted growth, distorted flowers, and curled or blistered leaves.	Remove and destroy affected plants. For minor infestations, a miticide or neem oil can be effective. Use water spray. Immersing infested plants in hot water (111°F – 44°C) for about 15 minutes can effectively kill cyclamen mites.
Root-knot nematodes	Infested plants often display stunted growth, yellowing, wilting, and reduced yield because the nematodes interfere with the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients. Root examination reveals the presence of galls or swellings.	Crop rotation, soil polarization, beneficial nematodes, Marigold cover crops, soil amendments.
Leafminers	These are larvae of certain moths, flies, and beetles that tunnel inside leaves, leaving winding trails or blotches.	Remove affected leaves. Encourage natural predators, such as spiders, lacewings, ladybugs, soldier beetles, and parasitic wasps. Use systemic insecticides for severe infestations.
Slugs and Snails	They chew irregular holes in leaves, mostly during the night or on cloudy days.	Use slug pellets, diatomaceous earth, or copper barriers. Handpick during damp evenings.
Spider Mites	Very tiny spider-like creatures, they cause stippling or a dusty look on leaves. Severe infestations can turn leaves yellow or red; fine webbing might be visible.	Avoid overcrowding, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

To minimize pest problems, it’s essential to maintain good garden hygiene. This includes regularly inspecting plants for signs of infestation, removing affected plant parts promptly, ensuring plants are not overly crowded, and rotating crops if possible. Healthy, well-tended plants are also generally more resistant to pests and diseases.

Aphids

Aphids

Delphinium – Disease Issues

Delphiniums are stunning plants, but they can be susceptible to a range of diseases. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common diseases that can afflict delphiniums:

Name	Symptom	Management
Aster Yellows (Phytoplasma spread by leafhoppers)	Yellowing, stunted growth, and abnormal flower development.	There is no cure for aster yellows. Remove infected plants and manage leafhoppers.
Bacterial Leaf Spot (Bacterial pathogens)	Water-soaked spots turning brown.	Remove infected leaves. Ensure proper plant spacing. Avoid overhead watering. Practice crop rotation. Apply copper-based fungicides.
Bacterial Soft Rot	Water-soaked lesions, softening and decomposition, foul smell, bacterial ooze	Good sanitation, proper irrigation, crop rotation, use soft rot resistant varieties, minimize wounding, biological and chemical controls.
Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold)(Botrytis cinerea)	Gray, fuzzy mold on leaves, stems, and flowers.	Remove affected areas, avoid overcrowding and overhead watering, and use appropriate fungicides.
Crown Rot	Browning or blackening at the base of the stem	Soil management, crop rotation, proper watering, soil solarization, biological and chemical controls
Damping Off	Seedlings suddenly collapse, darken at the base, and die	Ensure seed trays or pots have good drainage and avoid over-watering. Consider using sterilized potting mix when sowing seeds. Increase air circulation.
Powdery Mildew	White, powdery substance on the leaves.	Improve air circulation, reduce humidity, and use fungicides.
Root Rot	Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, roots are mushy and dark brown or black, foul odor	Improve drainage, water carefully, remove infected plants, sterilize tools and containers, use fungicides.
Rust	Yellow-orange pustules on the undersides of leaves, often accompanied by yellowing or pale green spots on the upper surface. Over time, these can turn black.	Remove and destroy infected leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides containing sulfur or copper can be applied as a preventive measure or at the first sign of infection.
Southern Blight (Sclerotium rolfsii)	Wilting, stem rot at the soil line, and white mycelium.	Crop rotation, soil solarization, mulching, improve drainage. Soil fungicides.
Virus Diseases (e.g. Mosaic)	Stunted growth, yellow mottling, and ring spots.	Remove and destroy infected plants. Control vector pests.

Prevention is often the best cure for many of these diseases. Regularly inspecting plants, providing good airflow, using clean tools, ensuring good soil drainage, and planting in optimal conditions can help keep your delphiniums healthy.

Powdery Mildew, Identify Powdery Mildew, Prevent Powdery Mildew, Treat Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew

Delphinium – Abiotic Problems

Abiotic problems are non-living factors that can adversely affect plant health. For delphiniums, these factors can range from environmental stressors to improper care. Here are some common abiotic problems that may affect delphiniums:

Cause	Symptom	Treatment
Water Stress	Wilted, curled, or drooping leaves; brown leaf edges. Cause: Overwatering or underwatering.	Ensure well-draining soil and water consistently, avoiding waterlogged or overly dry conditions.
Sunburn	Leaves appear scorched, bleached or have brown patches. Cause: Excessive sunlight or sudden exposure after being in the shade.	Provide afternoon shade in hotter regions. Consider relocating the plant if consistently exposed to harsh sunlight.
Temperature Stress	Stunted growth, leaf drop, or damaged buds. Cause: Exposure to extreme cold or heat.	Protect plants from frost and extreme heat. Consider using mulch to regulate soil temperature.
Nutrient Deficiency	Yellowing leaves, poor growth, or discolored leaf veins. Cause: Too much or too little of certain nutrients in the soil.	Use a soil test to determine needs and apply appropriate fertilizers.
Improper pH	Poor growth, yellowing, or stunted plants. Cause: Soil pH too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic).	Soil testing and amendments to adjust pH.
Compacted Soil	Poor root growth, water pooling on the surface. Cause: Heavy foot traffic or machinery.	Loosen the soil and consider adding compost or other organic matter.
Wind Damage	Torn leaves, broken stems, or desiccation. Cause: Strong winds.	Plant in protected areas or use windbreaks.
Chemical Injury	Burned or discolored leaves, damaged growth. Cause: Herbicide drift or misuse of pesticides/fungicides.	Follow label instructions carefully and protect plants from drift.

Addressing abiotic stresses often involves understanding the specific needs of the plant and adjusting care routines accordingly. It’s also beneficial to monitor plants regularly for signs of stress so that early interventions can be made.

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant Type	Annuals, Perennials
Genus	Delphinium
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance	Average
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance	Rabbit, Deer
Attracts	Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas	Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

Aphids

Cutworm

Slug

Snail

Spider Mites

Leaf Miner

Aster Yellows

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Rust Diseases

Southern Blight

Damping Off

Powdery Mildew

Garden Examples

Peonies and Companion Plants – White & Lavender Theme

A Pretty Summer Border with Roses, Larkspurs and Sage

A White and Blue Garden

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Teddington Gardener

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.