DELPHINIUM Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee

Delphinium 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee' Overview

Delphinium 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee' is a striking perennial known for its impressive spikes of dark blue flowers accented with a dramatic black eye. This variety is renowned for its compact size, making it ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers. Its bold color and architectural form add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden. Perfect for both traditional and modern garden styles, this delphinium variety offers vibrant blooms that are sure to catch the eye.

Key Features of Delphinium 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee'

• Botanical Name: Delphinium x elatum 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee'
• Common Name: Delphinium
• Flower Color: Dark blue with black bee-like center
• Bloom Time: Summer (June to August)
• Height: 60-80 cm (24-32 inches)
• Spread: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3-7

Planting and Growing Delphinium 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee'

Planting Instructions

1. Location Selection: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Delphiniums thrive in bright sunlight but appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter climates. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.

2. Soil Preparation: Delphiniums prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to improve its texture and fertility. Ensure the soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).

3. Planting: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.

4. Spacing: Space plants 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) apart to allow for their natural spread and to ensure good air circulation. Proper spacing helps to reduce the risk of diseases and promotes healthy growth.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your Delphinium 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee' looking its best, follow these maintenance guidelines:

Watering

• Frequency: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Delphiniums have deep roots and prefer steady moisture, but avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot.
• Method: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal to provide even moisture and minimize disease risks.

Fertilizing

• Timing: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins and again after the first flush of blooms. This provides essential nutrients to support healthy foliage and flower production.
• Type: Use a general-purpose fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage additional blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading also prevents the plant from going to seed too early, which can prolong the flowering period.
• Pruning: In late fall or early spring, cut back the foliage to ground level. This helps remove any dead or diseased material and prepares the plant for new growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Monitoring: Delphiniums can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and slugs. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestations and treat with appropriate organic or chemical controls as needed.
• Disease Prevention: To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately and avoid overhead watering. Remove any infected plant material promptly to reduce disease spread.

Design Ideas for Delphinium 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee'

Companion Plants

Delphinium 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee' pairs beautifully with a variety of garden plants to create stunning floral displays:

• Peonies: Combine with peonies for a classic cottage garden look. The bold, upright delphinium spikes contrast beautifully with the rounded blooms of peonies.
• Salvia: Use alongside salvia varieties for a vibrant color combination. The contrasting textures and colors enhance the visual interest of garden beds and borders.
• Echinacea: Plant with Echinacea to create a dynamic summer display. The complementary colors and textures of these perennials provide a visually appealing garden setting.

Landscaping Tips

• Garden Beds: Ideal for planting in mixed or perennial borders where their height and striking blooms can be showcased. Delphiniums add vertical interest and a splash of color to garden beds.
• Containers: Perfect for adding dramatic color to container gardens. Use in large pots to create a focal point on patios, decks, or entryways.
• Cut Flowers: Excellent for use in floral arrangements. The tall spikes and vibrant color make them a popular choice for cut flower bouquets and indoor displays.

Conclusion

Delphinium 'Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee' is a standout addition to any garden, offering stunning dark blue blooms with a distinctive black eye. Its compact size, combined with its impressive flower spikes, makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings. Visit our garden centre to find this exquisite delphinium and discover how it can enhance the beauty and elegance of your garden.

• Latin name
  DELPHINIUM Magic Fountain Dark Blue Black Bee
• Size
  2 Litre

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)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.