Compact Hybrid
Magic Fountains Mix Delphinium brings together the widest color range available in a dwarf Pacific delphinium, creating a compact explosion of blooms perfect for cutting gardens and borders. Hardy from zones 3 through 7, this open-pollinated cultivar reaches full flowering in 105 to 125 days and thrives in partial shade with moderate water. Its compact growth habit and frost-hardy nature make it surprisingly reliable across diverse climates, while its exceptional range of flower colors delivers garden drama without the sprawling height of traditional delphiniums.
Partial Shade
Moderate
3-7
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
Hover over chart points for details
The real standout here is the color diversity packed into one seed mix. You're getting a spectrum that outperforms other dwarf Pacific types, all condensed into plants that need just 12 inches of spacing. Cut these stems when about a quarter to a third of the flowers have opened, and they'll rebloom reliably in late summer and early fall if you deadhead promptly after the first flush. The plants respond well to cool greenhouse propagation followed by a hardening-off period, which gives you stronger, more resilient specimens than you might expect from seed.
These delphiniums are exceptional cut flowers, delivering height and color intensity to arrangements that would otherwise fall flat. The wide color range in the mix means you can sort blooms by shade to create monochromatic bouquets or let the mix celebrate itself. Because they rebloom when cut back promptly after the first flowering, a single planting provides multiple harvests across the season.
Sow seeds 10 to 16 weeks before your intended transplant date. Cover seeds lightly, as they need light for germination. Maintain soil temperature between 60 and 75°F during germination. Once seedlings emerge, grow them at 50 to 55°F in a greenhouse or cold frame to keep them compact and sturdy. Transplant seedlings into larger cell packs or 3 to 4 inch containers about 6 to 8 weeks after germination.
Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outside after the last frost date in your area. Space plants 12 inches apart. Alternatively, transplant plugs directly into raised beds in August through September if growing in a greenhouse production setting.
Cut stems when approximately one quarter to one third of the flowers along the spike have opened. Place cut flowers immediately in water to extend vase life. Harvest in the morning when stems are fully hydrated for best longevity.
Cut stems back promptly after the first bloom cycle ends to trigger reliable rebloom in late summer and early fall. This immediate deadheading is key to getting a second flush of flowers from the same plants.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.