Delphinium Magic Fountain Sky Blue

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Ranunculaceae

Order

Ranunculales

Genus

Delphinium

Species

grandiflorum

Description

Ornamental deciduous herbaceous perennial. Beloved for its tall, scenic spike-shaped inflorescences in bright colours that also give it a prominent role in mixed bedding arrangements. It withstands cold winter climates, preferring moist, well-draining soil.

Varietal description

Perennial plant with a very conspicuous long flowering time in late spring and summer. The inflorescence reaches up to 1 metre in height.

curiosity and special features

The generic term derives from the Greek delphín in relation to the elongated shape of the nectary similar to that of a dolphin's body, while the specific epithet grandiflorum derives from grandis meaning large and from flos meaning flower in reference to the size of the inflorescences.

Origin and Diffusion

Native species from a range extending from Siberia to China and North Korea. Today present with a wide assortment of varieties, derived from intensive hybridisation activities that began as early as the 19th century, which are distinguished by their height and the colour shade of the inflorescences.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, grouped together with others in the larger inflorescence.

Leaf

The leaf blades are palm-shaped

Flowering period

The long flowering period lasts from mid-spring to early autumn and lasts between 90 and 120 days, giving colour and elegance to your green spaces for almost three seasons during the year.

Inflorescence

Spiky inflorescence that gives the plant a focal point role, even within mixed compositions.

Leaf color

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 1.2 m in relation to the flower stalks.

Lifespan

Deciduous herbaceous perennial.

Suggested planting locations

The particular inflorescence makes it suitable for adding a unique accent to flowerbeds , large flowerbeds and road roundabouts

Stem/stem

The long, slender stems are herbaceous.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a bell-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in large spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is mildly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The upright habitus is visually reinforced by the scenic inflorescence of high ornamental value.

branching

Branching is naturally meagre.

pH

Like many ornamental grasses, it requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

soil preparation

To prepare the soil for the mid-spring transplanting, carry out light digging, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky stones, also break up coarser clods to achieve greater softness. Finally, add 5/10 cm professional-quality substrate to the surface and carefully level out.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

sun exposure

For best vegetative growth followed by excellent flowering, choose exposures in half shade, full sun, sheltered from the wind when transplanting.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between -5 and 30 °C

Use

Beloved by gardening enthusiasts and landscapers as a herbaceous plant for use in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness, it tolerates winter cold well even in frozen soil conditions.

Soil/medium

It adapts to different soil conditions, but the ideal soil for proper growth is medium-textured and well-draining.

Maintenance

Easy to grow, it requires an overall low level of management effort once established in the new planting site.

cultivation tips

Some specific tips and useful cultivation indications to achieve the best development and flowering performance:

Balanced fertilisation In hills above 300 m. Can also be in the sun all day. Avoid over-watering

Composition

Perfect in mixed compositions with other ornamental grasses such as Antirrhinum, Astilbe, Canna, Cineraria maritima, Dahlia, Helenium, Heliopsis, Gaillardia, Phlox. When planting, arrange each individual seedling at a suitable density in consideration of the habit, size and height attained by each one and the desired colour combinations.

planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average planting density of 8 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper development of each specimen and thus obtain a proportionate final composition. Transplant each seedling making sure that the lump is well moistened, without sinking it too deeply. Also water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is from seed.

Irrigation

Userainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or canal, either manually or by irrigation. When transplanting, assist the seedling to adapt properly to its new site, avoiding desiccation and keeping the soil at a constant humidity but free from waterlogging. Following transplanting keep the soil moist but not saturated, preventing dryness which causes leaf yellowing and withering of the inflorescence.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

Following the planting phase in the new planting site, from mid-spring until early autumn, apply a liquid fertiliser suitable for ornamental species at the foot of the plant, diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the dosage and frequency.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet friendly

Toxic if ingested.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Human toxicity

Toxic, do not ingest. Use gloves when handling.

advise 1

Do not plant in areas where there is water stagnation. It likes a good amount of iron which keeps it always with a dark green vegetation.