Keep height and colour separate
Magic Fountains Series offers a more compact habit and several colours; a series is not a single-colour cultivar. Spindrift has very pale lilac flowers with bluish nuances. Purple Velvet tends towards deep violet-blue. Place a pale selection against dark green so flowers remain visible; for a dramatic accent, set a dark spike beside lighter foliage and flowers.
Support that allows for growth
Place several stakes around clumps joined with soft material. Support heavy stems individually without pressing tightly to stakes. Loose loops allow growth. Recheck after rain and wind: tall spikes become heavy late. Supports should carry stems, not create break points.
After the first flowering
Removing spent spikes keeps plants tidy. Then attend healthy leaves and moisture; further flowering is possible, not guaranteed. Do not remove all strong stems for small bouquets. Establishment matters as much as maximum first-season flowers in new clumps.
Choosing a permanent spot
Avoid low points holding winter water. Note selection and actual height. Check new spring shoots before working between plants. For identical named varieties, choose reliable stock; seed gives enjoyable variation but differing seedlings must not automatically retain names.
Scent, flavour and use
Delphiniums are harmful if swallowed. Do not use flowers, leaves or seeds in food. Wear gloves when handling and wash your hands afterwards.
Care, cutting and harvesting
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sun, sheltered from strong wind. Keep the root zone sufficiently moist during growth. Put supports in place before tall stems become heavy and check young shoots for slugs and snails.
Remove spent spikes. Cut dead stems down close to the ground at the end of the growing period. Avoid a rigid calendar date while the plant is still flowering freely.
Cut ornamental flower stems for the vase with clean scissors. Use seed only for propagation; saved seed from named selections does not automatically produce the same plant.
