Larkspur Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom' (Magic Fountains Series)
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom', belonging to the Magic Fountains Series, is a captivating perennial plant that exhibits a striking visual appeal. This variety is distinguished by its beautiful cherry blossom pink flowers. These flowers are gracefully arranged in dense spires, providing a tower-like appearance, and are accented with a contrasting white or lighter pink "bee" or central part that draws the eye. The petals have a subtle ombre effect, transitioning in shades of pink, and they are slightly ruffled at the edges, which adds texture to the overall floral display. The plant's foliage is also an attractive aspect, with each leaf consisting of multiple small, deeply lobed segments that create an almost fern-like appearance. The leaves are a rich green color, which nicely complements and highlights the bright hues of the flowers. Overall, this Delphinium presents a lush and romantic visual with its towers of pink blossoms, contrasting bees, and deeply cut green leaves, making it a standout selection for any garden space designed for visual impact.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dwarf Delphinium, Larkspur
Common names
Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom'
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur is toxic to humans if ingested. Containing alkaloids such as delphinine, ingestion can lead to symptoms such as nausea, muscular weakness, paralysis of the respiratory system, and convulsions. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal due to respiratory failure.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to poisoning with symptoms like drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, it can cause cardiac failure or death due to respiratory paralysis. Immediate veterinary attention is required if a pet consumes larkspur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom larkspur attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Vertical Interest: With its tall spikes of colorful blossoms, it adds height and structure to the garden bed or border.
- Colorful Blooms: It features vibrant pink flowers with a cherry blossom-like appearance that add a splash of color to the landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: This perennial has a comparatively long flowering season, providing visual interest throughout the summer.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements with their long stems and striking colors.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Perfect for creating the traditional cottage garden aesthetic with its classic floral shape and style.
- Cold Hardy: It is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates and extending its potential growing region.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom' with its striking color can serve as a vibrant backdrop for garden photography or macro photography, showcasing the intricate beauty of its flowers.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the delicate structure and color of the flowers as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or fabric designs.
- Dried Flower Arrangements: The blooms can be dried and included in long-lasting floral displays, maintaining their shape and adding a touch of color to interior decor.
- Color Dye Source: Its flowers could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabric, providing a soft pink hue.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to their whimsical appearance, these plants are ideal for creating fairy garden landscapes, adding a tall, colorful element that can represent trees or large plants in miniature settings.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used by teachers or parents as a living example to teach children about plant biology, lifecycles, and the importance of pollinators.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly known for culinary use, the blooms could be used as an ornamental, non-toxic garnish for special dishes, assuming they haven't been treated with pesticides.
- Bookmark Crafting: Pressed flowers from the delphinium can be enclosed in laminated bookmarks, creating an attractive and functional keepsake.
- Event Invitations: For garden-themed events, small pressed flowers or petals can be incorporated into the design of invitations to add a unique, botanical touch.
- Color Inspiration: Interior designers can take cues from the plant's color palette for home decor projects, embracing shades of cherry blossom pink in fabrics, wall colors, and accessories.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Delphiniums are believed to signify protection due to their tall and sturdy spikes that seem to guard the surrounding plants.
- Openness to New Experiences: The expansive and upward growth of the delphinium can symbolize an open heart and willingness to take on new challenges and opportunities.
- Ardent Attachment: The vibrant flowers of the delphinium represent a feeling of strong attachment, suggesting passion and deep emotion.
- Health: Delphinium is also associated with good health, likely because of its historical use in Native American medicine.
- Fun: With its bright and lively blooms, the delphinium can symbolize a sense of fun and light-heartedness.
WaterLarkspur should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant using a soaker hose or drip irrigation. In hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler weather or if there’s been a substantial amount of rainfall, you can water less frequently. It's crucial to adjust your watering schedule based on the weather conditions and to avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
LightLarkspur thrives best in full sun conditions, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Position the plant in a spot that receives ample morning light and some afternoon shade, especially in areas with hot summers. Avoid heavily shaded locations, as this will hinder growth and flowering. Proper sunlight is essential for the plant to produce the characteristic tall spikes of flowers.
TemperatureLarkspur prefers cooler conditions and does well in temperatures ranging from about 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants often struggle in extremely hot climates, and providing afternoon shade can help manage the heat stress during hotter months. Ideal growing conditions include cool nights and warm, not hot, days.
PruningLarkspur needs pruning to promote bushier growth and more blooms. After the first flush of flowers fades, cut back the flower stalks to just above a set of leaves or a new shoot to encourage a second blooming. Deadheading spent flowers regularly will also prolong the blooming period. Prune away any damaged or dead foliage to keep the plant healthy and tidy. The best time for this more substantial pruning is immediately after the first flowering period ends.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Larkspur 'Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom' thrives in well-drained, rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix incorporating compost, loamy soil, and a small amount of sand or perlite to aid drainage works well for this plant. Mulching helps to maintain moisture and soil temperature.
RepottingLarkspurs, which are typically grown as annuals or biennials, do not usually require repotting. If grown in containers, the Larkspur ‘Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom’ should only be repotted if it outgrows its current pot, which could be every 1-2 years.
Humidity & MistingThe Larkspur 'Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It doesn't require special humidity considerations aside from what is typically found outdoors in its growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide ample sunlight and good airflow for indoor Larkspur.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, water regularly, and ensure good soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium 'Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom' begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in early spring, requiring a cold period to break dormancy. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of basal leaves, followed by the development of a sturdy stem and foliage. By early to mid-summer, the plant reaches maturity and produces tall spikes adorned with cherry blossom-pink flowers with a white bee, attracting pollinators to aid in reproduction. After flowering, if spent flowers are not deadheaded, the plant can produce seed which may drop and lead to self-sowing. As a perennial, it enters a dormant phase after flowering, with foliage dieback occurring in fall or with the onset of cold weather. The plant overwinters, storing energy in its root system, and resumes growth the following spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Cherry Blossom' is by seed. Propagation time is usually in the late winter or early spring, well before the last expected frost date. To propagate by seed, start indoors by sowing the seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix, barely covering them as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide a consistent temperature of about 65-75°F (18-24°C). Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots before eventually being moved outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
