DELPHINIUM SPECIES HYBRIDS 
““WEST O’ THE ROCKIES’’ STRAIN 

Comments: 
About 15 years ago, we assembled a collection of Delphinium 
species, mostly natives of the Western United States. The object 
of growing these various types was to determine their adaptability 
to garden culture; to note their susceptability to natural inter- 
crossing: and particularly to use in controlled combinations for 
red development. 
As a basis for the hybridization program, the D. species and 
varieties: NUDICAULE, CARDINALE, MENZIESH, OCHRA- 
LEUCUM, NELSONI, TROLLITFOLIUM, PARRISHII and oth- 
ers were used as parent plants. 
By many and various combinations of these; by consistant re- 
cording of data; careful harvesting and planting of seed and by 
meritorious selection, have we been able to develop the Del- 
phinium species Hybrids herein described. These are not “fly-by- 
night” projects, but instead, are the resolved and consistantly 
practised plan of an “cld-time” plantsman. From six to fourteen 
years of work has been expended on the development of these 
various Hybrids. After much garden testing, they are now deemed 
worthy of release to the gardening public, and as each series is 
developed, will be distributed, as rapidly as increase of stocks 
permit. 
Each of these Series have been the subject of comment in past 
issues of the American Delphinium Society Yearbook, as well as 
in other publications. 
Like all other Delphinium, these species derivatives are not — 
perfect in every detail, but like other Delphinium have many fine 
qualities and potentialities. They are new and “all American” in 
origination; are developed solely from North American species 
and varieties. They have the fine qualities of being floriferous, 
vividly and harmoniously colorful and excellent for cutting and 
arrangement. They are easily grown from seed, and are adapted 
to various garden positions, and are winter hardy in many locali- 
ties. 
It is hoped that these Series will be carefully tried by all DEL- 
FANS. In these Hybrids are the elements of many new characters 
of color, type and adaptability, hitherto unknown in Delphinium 
stocks. As foundation material, upon which to build new Del- 
phinium beauty, they should be of immense value. We feel privil- 
eged to have had the opportunity to supply, in these D. species 
Hybrids, some of these new characters, and to share them with 
other plants folks. 
Our Delphinium Garden, like any hobbyist’s workshop, is not 
always a showplace. In season it is a busy place, wherein the de-— 
velopment and improvement of Delphinium species Hybrids is the 
foremost project. We look forward to continued work in this pro- 
ject; the products of which we hope will eventually grace the 
borders and gardens of many present and future homes. 
