Delphinium c.M.F. D.Blue/Black Bee

Overview and Key Features

Delphinium Magic Fountains 'Dark Blue/Black Bee' is a compact variety from the renowned Magic Fountains series. It features stunning spires of deep indigo-blue flowers, each adorned with a contrasting black central “bee” (the petal-like centre). With a shorter, sturdier growth habit than traditional delphiniums, this cultivar is well-suited to smaller gardens, exposed sites, and containers.

Highly ornamental and dramatic, this delphinium offers summer-long interest, makes excellent cut flowers, and is very attractive to bees and butterflies.

• Height: 75–90 cm

• Spread: 40–60 cm

• Flower colour: Rich dark blue with black bee

• Foliage: Deep green, deeply lobed, palmate leaves

• Flowering time: June to July (with potential for a second flush)

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming

• Type: Hardy herbaceous perennial

• Origin: Garden hybrid from Delphinium elatum cultivars

• Wildlife value: Moderate – pollinator-friendly

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Planting and Growing Conditions

Delphiniums prefer sunny, sheltered positions and benefit from rich, well-drained soil and careful placement to avoid wind damage.

Light and Location

• Requires full sun for best flowering and compact growth

• Sheltered positions are ideal to prevent wind damage to flower spikes

• Avoid exposed, windy sites unless well staked

Soil Requirements

• Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil

• Benefits from organic matter enrichment at planting time

• Does not tolerate waterlogging or excessively dry soils

• Neutral to slightly alkaline pH preferred

Planting Tips

• Plant in spring or early autumn for best establishment

• Space 45–60 cm apart to allow good airflow

• Enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or manure before planting

• Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds

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Care and Maintenance

Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Dark Blue/Black Bee' requires moderate maintenance but rewards well with stunning floral displays.

Watering

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells and while establishing

• Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, particularly in flower

• Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew on foliage

Feeding

• Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring

• Supplement with liquid feed every 2–3 weeks during flowering for larger blooms

Staking and Support

• Though shorter than traditional delphiniums, staking is still recommended, especially in windy areas

• Use discreet bamboo canes or circular supports early in the season

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spent spikes immediately after flowering to encourage repeat blooms

• Cut back to the base after flowering finishes in late summer

• A second flush of blooms is often possible in late summer to early autumn

Winter Care

• Cut back dead foliage in late autumn

• Mulch around the crown in autumn with compost or leaf mould, especially in colder areas

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Garden Uses and Companion Plants

This compact delphinium is ideal for smaller gardens, border edges, cut flower beds, and cottage garden schemes.

Best Uses

• Mid-to-front border plant

• Ideal for cottage gardens, traditional herbaceous borders, or formal layouts

• Suitable for containers in sheltered, sunny spots

• Perfect for cut flower arrangements

Companion Plants

• Combine with other cottage garden favourites like:

  • Foxglove, Achillea, Salvia, Coreopsis, Peonies, and Nepeta

• Looks striking with roses, geraniums, and daisies

• Complements silver or chartreuse foliage (e.g. Artemisia, Alchemilla)

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Additional Notes

• Pests: May be susceptible to slugs and snails when young

• Diseases: Powdery mildew can occur – ensure good air circulation

• Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested; wear gloves when handling roots

Standard Delivery per parcel*	€7.95
* parcels up to 30kg or within dimensions volume
* free delivery over €250 on standard items (excludes large/bulky items)
* multiple purchases qualify for combined delivery
For large items please ring us on 069-64084 to discuss delivery.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

 

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