Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lilac Rose / White Bee’

Description

Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lilac Rose / White Bee’ is a charming perennial, producing semi-double lilac-pink blooms with striking white bees. Compact yet eye-catching, this variety thrives with the right planting and aftercare. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your plant flourishes season after season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant your Delphinium in spring when the soil is warming, allowing strong root establishment before flowering.
• Autumn: Early autumn planting also works well, giving the plant time to settle before dormancy and preparing it for robust growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Choose a sunny location for Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lilac Rose / White Bee’. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to encourage abundant blooms.
• Soil: Plant in fertile, moist, but well-drained soil. To improve structure and drainage, enrich the soil with compost or organic matter.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. This ensures space for root spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost into the soil before planting to promote healthy growth and vibrant flowers.
3. Positioning: Place your Delphinium into the hole so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill carefully, firming the soil gently.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish, ensuring the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Keep the soil consistently moist during active growth, watering during dry periods but avoiding over-saturation.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering, only adding moisture if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support new growth and prepare Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lilac Rose / White Bee’ for flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A second, lighter feed in midsummer will encourage further blooms and maintain plant strength.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to prolong the flowering season and keep the plant neat.
• End of Season: Once flowering has finished in autumn, cut your Delphinium back to ground level to prepare it for dormancy.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and stabilise soil temperature.
• Winter: A thicker mulch layer in winter will protect roots and help the plant return strongly the following year.

Supporting the Plant

Although shorter-stemmed than traditional varieties, this Delphinium may still benefit from staking in exposed gardens. Sturdy stems are less prone to damage when supported.

Final Tips

Delphinium x cultorum ‘Magic Fountains Lilac Rose / White Bee’ is a compact yet striking perennial that brings soft lilac-pink tones to borders and cottage-style gardens. By planting in full sun, maintaining soil fertility, and providing seasonal care, this delphinium will reward you with reliable colour, resilience, and pollinator appeal year after year.

RHS Details

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