Heirloom

Magic Fountains Mid Blue White Bee

Delphinium elatum

Photo: Gerd Eichmann · Wikimedia Commons · (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Harvest

105-125d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

3–7

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

3-5 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Magic Fountains Mid Blue White Bee in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Magic Fountains Mid Blue White Bee · Zones 3–7

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained loam, slightly acidic to neutral

WaterRegular, consistent moisture without waterlogging

SeasonPerennial

ColorTrue blue with white centers

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Striking, true-blue blooms with white centers (bees). Dwarf Pacific type with full florets and tight internodes. Magic Fountains' sturdy, compact plants will tolerate windy locations. Attracts bees and butterflies. This species of delphinium is also known as candle larkspur. Perennial in Zones 3-7. According to Johnny's Selected Seeds, Magic Fountains Mid Blue White Bee is 105 - 125 days to maturity, perennial, open pollinated. Notable features: Use for Cut Flowers and Bouquets, Attracts Beneficial Insects.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Magic Fountains Mid Blue White Bee reaches harvest at 105 - 125 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds.

Edibility: Toxic if eaten.

Storage & Preservation

Cut flowers should be placed in cool water immediately and stored in a cool location (50-65°F) away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit. They last 7-10 days in a vase. For preservation: (1) Air-dry by hanging upside-down bundles in a well-ventilated, dark space for 2-3 weeks—excellent for dried arrangements. (2) Glycerin treatment (soak stems in 1:1 water-glycerin solution) preserves color and flexibility for 2-4 weeks. (3) Press blooms between paper under weight for 2-3 weeks to create flat, decorative specimens for crafts or herbarium storage.

History & Origin

Magic Fountains Mid Blue White Bee is open-pollinated, meaning seed saved from healthy plants will produce true-to-type offspring. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Origin: Europe to Mongolia

Advantages

+Striking true-blue blooms with white centers create stunning visual contrast
+Dwarf compact growth tolerates windy locations better than tall varieties
+Attracts bees and butterflies for pollinator-friendly garden designs
+Easy to grow with moderate difficulty rating suitable for beginners
+Perennial hardiness in Zones 3-7 provides reliable multi-year performance

Considerations

-Requires cool temperatures; may struggle in hot, humid climates
-Susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot in poor drainage
-Short blooming window of 105-125 days limits seasonal display time
-Prefers rich, well-draining soil; clay soils need significant amendment

Companion Plants

Sweet alyssum and marigolds work well as low-border companions because they pull in parasitic wasps and hoverflies without competing for the vertical space these 3-to-5-foot spikes need. Catmint (Nepeta) is probably the strongest match — same full-sun requirements, overlapping bloom window, and its sprawling, ground-level habit shades the soil around delphinium crowns enough to cut down on moisture loss between waterings. Lupines bring something more structural: they fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, which feeds the soil directly around a plant that's a known heavy feeder.

Skip fennel anywhere near an ornamental bed — it releases anethole and other compounds from its roots that suppress neighboring plants, and delphiniums are not tolerant of that kind of chemical pressure. Tomatoes aren't toxic to delphiniums, but in our zone 7 Georgia gardens they peak on water demand at the exact same point in late spring, and tomatoes are aggressive competitors for both moisture and soil nutrients at the 18-to-24-inch root depth where delphiniums are feeding. Keep them in separate beds entirely.

Plant Together

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects and provides ground cover while complementing delphinium colors

Marigolds

Repel aphids and nematodes while providing contrasting warm colors to cool blues

Catmint

Deters aphids and flea beetles while attracting pollinators with similar growing requirements

Roses

Delphiniums provide height and backdrop while both benefit from similar rich, well-draining soil

Lupines

Similar tall spiky growth habit and nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil for both plants

Bee Balm

Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators while sharing preference for moist, fertile soil

Larkspur

Related plant with similar growing requirements and complementary flowering periods

Shasta Daisy

Provides contrasting flower form and attracts beneficial insects while blooming simultaneously

Keep Apart

Black Walnut Trees

Produce juglone toxin that inhibits delphinium growth and can cause plant death

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most garden plants including delphiniums

Tomatoes

Compete for nutrients and may increase fungal disease problems in delphiniums

Troubleshooting Magic Fountains Mid Blue White Bee

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

White powdery coating on leaves and stems, usually appearing mid-summer after the first bloom flush

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe aquilegiae or Golovinomyces spp.) — favored by warm days, cool nights, and poor airflow
Crowded spacing under 18 inches that traps humidity around the crown

What to Do

1.Cut the entire plant back to about 6 inches after the first bloom — it'll push fresh growth that's far less susceptible
2.Next planting, space at the full 24-inch end of the range and avoid wetting the foliage when you irrigate
3.A baking soda spray (1 tablespoon per gallon of water with a few drops of dish soap) can slow spread on mild infections — not a cure, but buys you time

Ragged, irregular holes in new leaves and flower buds, mostly noticed in the morning during cool, wet spring weather

Likely Causes

Slugs (Arion or Deroceras species) — delphiniums are among their favorite targets, and the crown is especially vulnerable at soil level
Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) as a secondary suspect, especially near mulch

What to Do

1.Scatter iron phosphate bait (Sluggo or equivalent) around the crowns as soon as new growth emerges in spring — reapply after heavy rain
2.Pull mulch 3-4 inches away from the crown; slugs use it as daytime cover
3.Check under boards or debris near the bed at night with a flashlight to confirm which pest you're actually dealing with before treating

Wilting stems that don't recover overnight, with the base of the stem turning dark brown or black at soil level

Likely Causes

Crown rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum or Botrytis cinerea) — both thrive in waterlogged or poorly draining soil
Clay-heavy soil that holds moisture too long against the crown, especially after prolonged wet spells

What to Do

1.Remove and trash any affected stems immediately — don't compost them
2.Work in 2-3 inches of compost before replanting, and raise the bed 4-6 inches if your drainage is genuinely slow
3.Water at the base only, early in the day, so the crown surface dries before nightfall

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Magic Fountains Mid Blue White Bee flowers last in a vase?▼

Cut flowers typically last 7-10 days in a cool location with fresh, cool water (50-65°F). Change water every 2-3 days and remove lower leaves to prevent bacterial growth. Add flower food if available. Keeping blooms away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit extends their vase life significantly.

Is Magic Fountains delphinium good for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes, Magic Fountains is rated as easy to grow. Its dwarf, compact habit and sturdy nature make it forgiving for beginners. It tolerates windy locations well and doesn't require extensive staking like taller delphiniums. Full sun and well-drained soil are the main requirements. It's reliable and rewarding for new gardeners.

Can you grow Magic Fountains delphinium in containers?▼

Yes, Magic Fountains works well in containers due to its dwarf, compact growth habit. Use a large pot (at least 12 inches deep) with well-draining potting soil. Place in full sun (6+ hours daily) and water consistently but don't overwater. Container-grown plants may need staking in windy conditions despite the variety's wind tolerance.

When should I plant Magic Fountains delphinium seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, or direct sow after the last frost date once soil has warmed. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days. Delphiniums are perennial in zones 3-7, so established plants return annually. In warmer zones, treat as cool-season annuals and plant in fall for spring blooms.

What do Magic Fountains delphinium flowers attract?▼

Magic Fountains blooms are excellent pollinator plants, strongly attracting bees and butterflies. Their true-blue color and nectar-rich flowers make them a favorite for pollinators. Planting them in groups enhances their appeal to beneficial insects and creates a vibrant display that supports garden ecosystem health.

How far apart should I space Magic Fountains delphinium plants?▼

Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Their compact, dwarf habit means they won't grow as wide as full-size delphiniums, but adequate spacing prevents overcrowding and promotes vigorous, healthy growth throughout the season.