Heirloom

Magic Fountains Mix

Delphinium elatum

Photo: Andrew Bossi · Wikimedia Commons · (CC BY-SA 2.5)

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 Mix in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Magic Fountains Mix · Zones 3–7

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained loam, slightly alkaline to neutral

WaterModerate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

SeasonPerennial

ColorCherry, lilac, lavender, dark blue, sky blue, and white with contrasting white and dark centers

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
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	—
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	—

Complete Growing Guide

Full florets and tight internodes. White and dark centers (bees) on cherry, lilac, lavender, dark blue, sky blue, and white. 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 Mix 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 Mix reaches harvest at 105 - 125 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds.

Edibility: Toxic if eaten.

Storage & Preservation

Magic Fountains Mix delphiniums are cut flowers best stored in a cool environment. Keep freshly cut stems in a vase with floral preservative and cool water at 65-72°F away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit. They'll last 7-10 days with daily water changes. For long-term preservation, air-dry stems by hanging upside-down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks to create dried arrangements. Alternatively, press individual florets between parchment paper under heavy weight for 1-2 weeks for botanical crafting. Freeze-drying preserves color and form for specialty floral applications.

History & Origin

Magic Fountains Mix 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

+Compact, sturdy plants withstand windy locations without staking or support.
+Full florets with tight internodes create impressive, densely-packed flower spikes.
+Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to gardens naturally.
+Available in six stunning colors: cherry, lilac, lavender, dark blue, sky blue, white.
+Easy to grow with straightforward care requirements for beginners.

Considerations

-Requires cool temperatures; struggles in hot, humid climates above Zone 7.
-Perennial only in Zones 3-7; dies in warmer regions as annual.
-Susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot in poorly drained soil.
-Takes 105-125 days to bloom; patience required before flowering begins.

Companion Plants

Marigolds and sweet alyssum earn their spot here for different reasons — marigolds deter aphids through scent, while alyssum draws in parasitic wasps (Braconidae family) that prey on the same aphids that colonize delphinium stems. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, pulling aphid pressure away from the flowers before it builds. Lavender and catnip nearby help disrupt spider mite host-finding, which depends heavily on scent cues. Fennel, eucalyptus, and black walnut all release allelopathic compounds into the soil — fennel through root exudates, walnut via juglone — and any of the three will stunt delphiniums over the course of a growing season.

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and provides ground cover

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles

Petunias

Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and other garden pests

Zinnias

Attract beneficial pollinators and predatory insects

Lavender

Repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes with its aromatic oils

Cosmos

Attract beneficial insects and provide habitat for pest predators

Catnip

Repels mosquitoes, ants, and aphids more effectively than DEET

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Releases juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many flowering plants

Eucalyptus

Allelopathic compounds suppress growth of nearby plants

Fennel

Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathic effects

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Spider mites, slugs, aphids

Diseases

Powdery mildew, crown rot in poorly drained soil

Troubleshooting Magic Fountains Mix

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

White powdery coating on leaves and stems, usually appearing mid-summer when nights cool down

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) — a fungal disease that thrives when humidity is high but foliage stays dry
Crowded spacing that cuts airflow between plants

What to Do

1.Space plants at least 18 inches apart from the start — don't crowd them hoping they'll fill in nicely
2.Spray affected foliage with a diluted neem oil solution (2 tbsp per gallon) every 7-10 days
3.Cut the whole plant back hard after bloom; it'll push clean new growth and you'll avoid carrying the fungus into fall

Stems collapsing at the soil line, crown turning soft and brown, plant wilting despite moist soil

Likely Causes

Crown rot — usually Phytophthora or Sclerotinia — caused by water sitting around the crown in poorly drained soil
Planting too deep, burying the crown below the soil surface

What to Do

1.Pull the plant and check the crown; if it's mushy all the way through, discard it — don't compost it
2.Amend the bed with coarse grit or perlite before replanting anything in that spot
3.Set replacement crowns so the growing tip sits just at or slightly above the soil surface

Ragged holes chewed in new leaves and flower buds overnight, silvery slime trails visible in the morning

Likely Causes

Slugs — they do real damage on delphiniums because the soft new growth emerges early in spring when slug pressure is at its peak
Dense mulch or debris right up against the crown giving slugs a daytime hiding spot

What to Do

1.Set out iron phosphate bait (Sluggo is a common brand) around the base of plants at dusk — reapply after rain
2.Pull mulch back 3-4 inches from the crown so slugs lose their shelter
3.Check under boards and debris near the bed at night with a flashlight and hand-pick if the population is heavy

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Magic Fountains Mix flowers last in a vase?▼

Cut stems typically last 7-10 days in a vase when kept in cool water (65-72°F) with floral preservative. Change water every 2-3 days and trim stem ends at an angle to maximize water uptake. Remove lower foliage to prevent bacterial growth and extend vase life.

Can you grow Magic Fountains Mix in containers?▼

Yes, these compact delphiniums are well-suited to containers. Use a large pot (12+ inches diameter) with well-draining soil and ensure full sun (6+ hours daily). Container plants may need staking in windy locations and consistent watering, as soil dries faster. They're ideal for patios and small gardens.

When should I plant Magic Fountains Mix delphiniums?▼

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, or direct sow outdoors after the final frost date. These perennials (Zones 3-7) can also be planted in fall. They prefer cool soil for germination. Once established, they'll self-seed in subsequent years.

Are Magic Fountains Mix delphiniums good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. These heirloom delphiniums are labeled 'Easy' to grow and tolerate challenging conditions like wind. They're compact, sturdy, and relatively pest-resistant. Their attractive bi-colored florets and bee-friendly nature make them rewarding for novice gardeners seeking reliable cut flowers.

What pests or diseases affect Magic Fountains Mix?▼

Delphiniums are generally hardy but watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions (improve air circulation), spider mites in hot, dry weather, and slugs on young foliage. The compact, sturdy growth habit of Magic Fountains Mix provides good disease resistance compared to taller varieties.

Do Magic Fountains Mix flowers attract pollinators?▼

Yes, these delphiniums are excellent pollinator plants. The flowers attract bees and butterflies with their nectar and distinctive bi-colored form (white centers on cherry, lilac, lavender, and blue petals). They're wonderful for creating pollinator-friendly gardens and meadow plantings.