Delphinium elatum Magic Fountains Lavender White Bee

Delphinium elatum ‘Magic Fountains Lavender White Bee’ is an elegant perennial Delphinium producing impressive upright flower spikes covered with beautiful lavender flowers and contrasting white centres.

The variety grows to approximately 105 cm tall, making it more compact and manageable than many traditional tall Delphiniums while still producing long, high-quality flower stems.

Magic Fountains is particularly valuable for cut flower production. The series has been rigorously tested for excellent flower and stem quality, reliable production and long vase life. It can be successfully grown in the field, under tunnels or in a greenhouse.

An important advantage of this variety is that it belongs to the FastraX perennial programme and can flower in the first year from seed without vernalization.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Delphinium elatum
• Series: Magic Fountains
• Variety: Lavender White Bee
• Plant type: Perennial
• Height: Approx. 105 cm
• Flower colour: Lavender with contrasting white centre
• Flowering: Summer
• First-year flowering: Yes
• Vernalization required: No
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Seed form: Raw seed
• Uses: Cut flowers, perennial borders, cottage gardens and landscape planting
• Vase life: Long

What Does “White Bee” Mean?

In Delphinium terminology, the “bee” refers to the small cluster of petals in the centre of the flower.

Lavender White Bee therefore produces beautiful lavender flowers with a contrasting white centre.

This combination gives the flower spikes additional depth and makes them particularly attractive for bouquets and floral arrangements.

How Long from Seed to Flower?

Under suitable spring growing conditions:

18–22 weeks = approximately 126–154 days from sowing to flowering.

Magic Fountains Lavender White Bee is a FastraX perennial, meaning that it has been selected to flower in its first growing season without requiring a winter cold period.

The actual flowering time can vary depending on temperature, light levels, sowing date and growing conditions.

First-Year Flowering Without Vernalization

One of the most valuable characteristics of this Delphinium elatum is its ability to flower in the first year from seed.

No vernalization is required.

Flowering is influenced by day length, and days longer than approximately 13 hours encourage flower initiation. High light levels and warmer growing conditions can also shorten the total crop time.

Sowing & Germination

Sow 2–3 seeds per plug in a fine, well-drained seed-starting substrate.

Cover the seeds lightly with vermiculite or a thin layer of substrate. Light is not required for germination.

Maintain a temperature of approximately 18–20 °C during the initial germination stage.

Under optimal conditions, radicle emergence begins in approximately 5–8 days.

Keep the substrate evenly moist during germination, but avoid waterlogging.

Growing the Seedlings

Once the cotyledons have fully expanded, the temperature can be reduced to approximately 16–18 °C.

Provide young plants with plenty of light and good air circulation.

After the initial germination stage, allow the substrate to dry slightly between waterings rather than keeping it constantly saturated.

Before planting outdoors, gradually harden the young plants so they become accustomed to direct sunlight, wind and changing temperatures.

Light & Flowering

Delphinium elatum Magic Fountains Lavender White Bee is a facultative long-day perennial.

Days longer than approximately 13 hours promote flower initiation, while high light levels encourage strong growth and earlier flowering.

During the seedling stage, approximately 14 hours of daylight can help promote good root development and more uniform plants.

Position & Soil

Choose a position in full sun to partial shade.

Delphiniums perform best in fertile, humus-rich and well-drained soil that retains consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Enrich poorer soil with mature compost before planting.

A position protected from strong winds is beneficial, especially when the plants are producing their tall flower spikes.

Watering & Feeding

Keep the soil consistently moist during active growth and flower-stem development.

During dry periods, water deeply rather than giving small amounts of water frequently.

Moderate feeding with a balanced fertilizer or an annual addition of mature compost will help produce strong plants and high-quality flower stems.

Avoid prolonged waterlogging around the roots.

Excellent Cut Flower

Magic Fountains has been specifically tested for professional cut-flower performance.

The series offers:

Strong stems • Impressive flower spikes • Excellent flower quality • Reliable stem production • Long vase life

For cut-flower production, Magic Fountains can be grown successfully outdoors in the field, under tunnels or in a greenhouse.

No growth regulators are required when producing the plants for cut flowers.

When to Harvest for Cutting

Harvest when the lower flowers on the spike have opened while the upper section still contains unopened buds.

Cut with clean, sharp snips and place the stems into clean water immediately after harvesting.

The long flower spikes provide beautiful vertical structure in bouquets and larger floral arrangements.

A More Compact Delphinium elatum

At approximately 105 cm tall, Magic Fountains Lavender White Bee is more compact than many traditional tall Delphinium elatum varieties.

It still provides the classic tall, architectural Delphinium flower spike but is easier to incorporate into mixed perennial borders, smaller gardens and cutting gardens.

Why Choose Magic Fountains Lavender White Bee?

Lavender flowers with white centres • Approx. 105 cm tall • Perennial • Flowers in the first year • No vernalization required • Excellent cut-flower quality • Strong stems • Long vase life • Suitable for field, tunnel and greenhouse production

Perfect for

Cut flowers • Cutting gardens • Perennial borders • Cottage gardens • Romantic gardens • Professional flower production • Landscape planting

Delphinium elatum ‘Magic Fountains Lavender White Bee’ is an excellent choice for growers looking for a first-year flowering perennial Delphinium with elegant lavender-and-white flower spikes, strong stems and excellent vase life.