Larkspur Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Lilac Rose' (Magic Fountains Series)
ABOUT
Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Lilac Rose', belonging to the Magic Fountains Series, showcases majestic spires heavily studded with semi-double to double, delicately frilled flowers. These blossoms boast a delightful blend of soft lilac and rosy pink hues, which create an enchanting, pastel effect in any garden setting. The flowers are densely packed along the sturdy stalks that arise from a lush base of deeply lobed, mid-green foliage. The leaves are finely cut, adding a textural contrast to the garden with their intricate, fern-like appearance. As the plant matures through the blooming season, the flower spikes continue to unfurl, offering a prolonged display of its captivating lilac-rose flowers, which are irresistible to pollinators. Overall, the Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Lilac Rose' carries an air of classic elegance and romantic charm, making it an alluring choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of regal beauty to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Lilac Rose Larkspur, Dwarf Delphinium, Delphinium.
Common names
Delphinium x belladonna 'Magic Fountains Lilac Rose'.
ToxicityTo humans
Larkspur, which includes Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Lilac Rose', is known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to a variety of symptoms due to the presence of alkaloids such as delphinine. Symptoms of larkspur poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscular weakness, and stiffness. Severe cases may result in respiratory difficulties, convulsions, and even paralysis. Contact with the skin can also cause irritation in some individuals, so handling the plant should be done with care.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, with dogs, cats, and horses being particularly susceptible to the plant's toxic compounds. Similar to humans, if a pet consumes any part of the larkspur plant, they could exhibit symptoms such as drooling, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. More serious effects may include muscle tremors, cardiac abnormalities, respiratory distress, and in extreme cases, can result in death if not treated promptly. It's crucial to prevent pets from accessing areas where larkspur is growing and to seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac Rose
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a beautiful splash of lilac-rose color to gardens.
- Height Variation: Suitable for smaller spaces due to its shorter stature compared to other delphinium varieties.
- Vertical Interest: Offers structural height to garden beds and borders.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies into the garden.
- Cut Flower Use: Makes for an excellent cut flower with its long-lasting blooms.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides vibrant color in late spring through summer.
- Cottage Garden Style: Ideal for creating a traditional cottage garden look.
- Easy Propagation: Can be propagated easily by division or seeds.
- Resistance to Pests: Has a degree of resistance to pests such as deer and rabbits.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Delphinium can be used as a natural fabric dye, creating shades of blue to purple, depending on the mordant used.
- In art, the crushed petals of Delphinium can be used as pigment for botanical painting or natural inks.
- Delphinium is used in flower photography workshops and lessons due to its vibrant colors and towering form, providing a striking subject.
- The vibrant colors of Delphinium make them excellent for pressed flower crafts such as bookmarks, cards, or decorative phone cases.
- Delphinium stems can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes, contributing color and texture, but not fragrance.
- Dried Delphinium flowers are used in the creation of natural confetti for weddings or eco-friendly celebrations.
- Delphinium seed husks and spent blooms can be used as part of a compost mix, adding organic matter to the soil.
- Insect-photography enthusiasts plant Delphinium to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators as subjects for macro photography.
- Delphinium petals can be scattered in baths as a luxury spa-like experience, although they do not have any known skin benefits.
- Gardeners use Delphinium as trap crops, planting them away from vegetables to attract pests like aphids, thereby reducing infestation on more valuable plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDelphiniums are not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDelphiniums are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Openness to New Experiences: The delphinium is often associated with striving for success and reaching out for new opportunities, as its tall spikes reach for the sky.
- Protection: It is believed that delphiniums can ward off dangers and negative emotions, providing a protective barrier.
- Fun and Lightness: With its bright colors and towering presence, delphiniums symbolize a sense of joy and playfulness.
- Big-heartedness: The generous bloom of the delphinium can be symbolic of a large-hearted person, someone with an abundance of emotions and love to give.
- Ardent Attachment: The lush, full clusters of the delphinium's flowers can signify a strong bond of love or affection.
- Remembering Loved Ones: Delphiniums are often used in floral arrangements to honor and remember those who have passed, symbolizing the eternal connection between the living and the deceased.
WaterThe Magic Fountain Delphinium should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, generally every 1 to 2 weeks depending on weather conditions. Water slowly and deeply to encourage strong root growth, ensuring the plant receives about 1 gallon of water at each watering session. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; water at the base of the plant instead. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy periods, the watering frequency should be reduced.
LightMagic Fountain Delphinium thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning light and is protected from the intense late afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Place the plant where it can get plenty of bright light throughout the day for best growth and flower production.
TemperatureMagic Fountain Delphinium prefers temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from just above freezing, upwards to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are cold-hardy in winter to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing your delphiniums in areas where they may experience extreme heat, as it can cause stress to the plant.
PruningPrune your Magic Fountain Delphinium to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or cutting back the faded flowers right after the first flush of blooms, can often promote a second round of flowering. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to the ground to maintain vigor and health. Prune damaged or diseased stems as needed throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Larkspur requires well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant would consist of loamy garden soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure and a portion of perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage. Regular top-dressing with organic matter will help maintain soil fertility and structure.
RepottingLarkspurs are perennial plants that do not typically require frequent repotting. They should be divided and replanted every 3-4 years to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding, which ensures the plants' vigor and flowering capacity.
Humidity & MistingLarkspur plants prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the range of humidity levels found in most outdoor environments. As long as they are not subjected to prolonged soggy conditions or extreme drought, they should thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, well-draining soil, regular watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium 'Magic Fountains Lilac Rose', commonly known as Larkspur, begins its life cycle as a seed that requires a period of stratification or cold treatment before it can germinate. After stratification, the seed germinates in early spring and the plant emerges, growing a rosette of basal leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem with deeply lobed leaves and ultimately produces tall spikes of lilac-rose flowers with a white bee or central part, usually in early to mid-summer. Following pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into follicles containing numerous seeds. After seed dispersal, the plant often experiences a period of dormancy where above-ground parts may die back, especially in colder climates. The life cycle of the larkspur can continue either through self-seeding or the seeds can be collected and stratified again for planting in subsequent years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Lilac Rose', commonly known as the Dwarf Delphinium, can be propagated by seed. Seed propagation is often considered the most popular method for this variety. To propagate by seeds, they should be sown in late winter to early spring in trays of moist seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with the mix, as delphinium seeds require light to germinate. Place the tray in a warm spot at about 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) and keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are strong enough to be planted out in the garden after the risk of frost has passed.
