Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lavender / White Bee’

Description

Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lavender / White Bee’ is a striking perennial known for its semi-double lavender blooms with white bees, standing proudly on strong, stable stems. Perfect for borders, cottage gardens, or as a cut flower, this compact variety reaches a height of around 75cm and provides vibrant colour during the summer months. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to help your Delphinium thrive.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lavender / White Bee’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This ensures strong root establishment before the flowering season.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn allows the perennial to settle before dormancy, encouraging healthy growth and better blooms the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Delphinium thrives best in full sun. Aim for at least six hours of direct light each day to encourage sturdy stems and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Choose fertile, moist, but well-drained soil. To improve both drainage and fertility, incorporate plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. This gives ample space for the roots to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with organic matter to boost fertility and encourage vigorous growth.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the crown sits level with the soil surface. Backfill gently, firming the soil as you go to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering: Water well after planting to help establish the roots, ensuring the soil drains freely to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Keep Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lavender / White Bee’ consistently moist, particularly during dry spells. Allow the surface soil to dry slightly between waterings, but avoid letting the roots sit in soggy soil.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering when the plant is dormant. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to give your Delphinium a strong start to the season.
• Mid-Summer: A liquid feed every few weeks during flowering helps extend bloom production and maintain healthy foliage.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flower spikes to encourage secondary blooms and prolong the display.
• Autumn Pruning: Once flowering is over, cut back to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and supports fresh growth in spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a generous mulch of compost or bark chips around the base in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Winter: A protective layer of mulch during the colder months helps insulate the crown and prevents frost damage.

Supporting the Plant

Though shorter in stature compared to taller delphiniums, Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lavender / White Bee’ may still benefit from light staking in exposed or windy areas. Support ensures the flower spikes remain upright and unbroken.

Final Tips

Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lavender / White Bee’ is a reliable and hardy perennial that will reward you with months of colour and pollinator-friendly blooms. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil, ensure consistent watering, and feed regularly for the best display. With the right care, this compact variety will bring long-lasting elegance and charm to your garden year after year.

RHS Details

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