Overview

Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation' is a perennial in the genus Delphinium, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cuts flowers.

About

Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation' is a perennial delphinium grown for borders and as a source of cut flowers. It flowers from June to August. Plant in a south-facing, sheltered spot in well-drained loamy soil that remains moist and leans neutral to alkaline. Wear gloves when handling because the plant is harmful if eaten.

About the genus

Delphinium is a genus of about 300 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also on the high mountains of tropical Africa. The genus was erected by Carl Linnaeus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Delphinium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Delphinium

In the garden

Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation' is a perennial in the Ranunculaceae cultivated for garden borders and for cutting. Flowering runs from June to August, making it useful for summer displays and for providing stems for vases during the warmer months. Its cultivar name indicates the flowering emphasis and its primary garden role is as a summer-flowering border plant and cut-flower source. For best results choose a south-facing site with shelter from strong winds; the plant prefers full sun or partial shade. Use a well-drained, loamy soil that holds moisture but does not sit waterlogged, and aim for a neutral to alkaline pH. The cultivar is rated H5 (hardy) so it is suitable for outdoor cultivation in most of the UK where winter ground does not remain waterlogged. Place it towards the middle or rear of mixed borders where its season of interest — June to August — complements other summer perennials, and cut stems for indoor use to extend its value as a cut flower. Take care when handling: wear gloves and other protective equipment, and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and contact numbers regarding pets.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Delphinium

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, loamy

Soil pH

neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist

Aspect

south-facing

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

borders, cuts flowers

Toxicity

Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation'

Cultivation

Plant in spring or autumn in fertile, well-drained soil. Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping. Water regularly during dry periods.

Pruning

Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance and possible rebloom.

Propagation

Seed, division

Frequently asked questions

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