Delphinium brunonianum
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Delphinium brunonianum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Stony slopes and screes in drier areas, to elevations of 5500 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 0
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Other
Rating: 2
A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only. In the Himalayas it is only used to destroy ticks on animals. The seed contains 30% of an oil that has industrial uses. The seed is very small, however, and it would require a large area of plants to obtain reasonable yields.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a rich well-drained soil that stays moist in the summer. Dislikes water-logged soils, it is liable to die out in heavy soils over winter. Requires an open sunny position. Plants are generally hardy to about -20°c, though they are best given a protective mulch of bracken or some similar material during the winter. The flowers emit a powerful, musk-like scent until they begin to fade. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Grows well in the rock garden. This species is closely related to C. cashmerianum.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of basal shoots in April/May, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame. Division in spring or early autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant are toxic. The plant is most toxic when it is young.