Delphinium ‘Highlander Sweet Sensation’

Description

Delphinium ‘Highlander Sweet Sensation’ is a stunning perennial producing ruffled violet and bright-blue flower spires from June to September. It grows up to 1m tall with a 40cm spread and thrives in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Hardy and bee-attracting, this plant adds height, colour, and structure to perennial borders and garden beds. Follow this guide for planting, watering, feeding, pruning, and staking to ensure vibrant blooms all season long.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Delphinium ‘Highlander Sweet Sensation’ is in spring when the soil starts to warm. This allows the roots to establish firmly before the flowering season, promoting a strong, healthy plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn. This enables your Delphinium to settle in before dormancy, encouraging better growth and blooms the following season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Delphinium ‘Highlander Sweet Sensation’ thrives in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure vibrant flowers and strong stems.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Delphinium. Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot. Enrich the soil with organic matter or compost to enhance fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball for Delphinium ‘Highlander Sweet Sensation’, giving roots ample space to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in compost or organic matter to boost soil nutrition and drainage. Healthy soil promotes vigorous growth and rich flower spires.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the prepared hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting Delphinium ‘Highlander Sweet Sensation’ to settle the soil and encourage strong root establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Delphinium prefers consistent moisture. Water during dry spells, allowing soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering to prevent root problems.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering during dormancy. Only water if the soil becomes very dry, as the plant requires minimal moisture at this stage.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Delphinium ‘Highlander Sweet Sensation’ a strong start, supporting healthy foliage and abundant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding during mid-summer promotes continued flowering and helps the plant maintain vigour throughout the blooming period.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes regularly. This prolongs the flowering period, keeps your Delphinium looking tidy, and encourages new blooms.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering, cut back your Delphinium to ground level. This prepares it for dormancy and ensures healthier growth in the following season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.
• Winter: Mulch provides protection to the roots, preventing frost heaving and aiding the survival of your Delphinium through colder months.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Due to its tall flower spikes, Delphiniums benefit from staking. Place stakes carefully to prevent damage to stems during strong winds or heavy rain.

Final Tips

Delphinium ‘Highlander Sweet Sensation’ is a spectacular addition to perennial borders and flower beds. By planting in full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil, and following this care routine, your plant will reward you with stunning violet-blue spires from June to September. Incorporate this Delphinium into your garden to attract bees and add seasonal colour and structure.