Pink Sensation Delphinium Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation'
ABOUT
Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation' is a captivating garden perennial known for its striking flowers and elegant stature. The plant features a bounty of blooms that are a soft, alluring shade of pink, drawing the eye with a graceful glamour that is unique to this cultivar. These blossoms are neatly arranged in dense spikes, rising proudly above the foliage on sturdy stems that give the flowers a prominent and regal presence. The flowers have a classic delphinium shape, with each individual bloom composed of multiple petals that create a cup or bell-like formation. Within the center of the bloom, there are delicate, lightly-colored filaments that may be tipped with tiny pollen-carrying anthers, providing contrast and adding depth to the overall floral display. Beneath the flowers, the foliage forms a lush backdrop. The leaves are deeply lobed, with a texture that can be described as somewhat coarse, and the lobes themselves create a palmate pattern that is both intricate and appealing. The green of the leaves is rich and vivid, making a perfect counterpoint to the softness of the pink blooms. The overall impression of Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation' in the garden is one of timeless elegance and gentle color. Its pink blossoms are especially popular among gardeners looking to create a soft color palette or a romantic, cottage-garden aesthetic. Even when not in bloom, the plant's foliage remains an attractive feature, providing structure and greenery to the garden space.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Hybrid Delphinium, Larkspur
Common names
Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Larkspur is considered highly toxic if ingested due to a variety of alkaloids it contains, especially the potent alkaloid delphinine. In humans, ingestion of Larkspur can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, seizures, paralysis, bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and cardiac arrhythmias which could be fatal in severe cases. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if any part of the plant has been consumed.
To pets
Larkspur is also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The consumption of any part of this plant can result in poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, stiffness, weak pulse, hypotension, difficulty breathing, paralysis, and potentially death from cardiac failure. Animal owners should contact a veterinarian promptly if their pet has ingested Larkspur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation' offers a visually striking addition to gardens with its tall spikes of soft pink flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Vertical Interest: Its stature adds vertical interest to garden beds and landscapes, contrasting nicely with lower-growing plants.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Its classic shape and colors are ideal for creating or enhancing a traditional cottage garden look.
- Seasonal Color: Provides vibrant color during its blooming season, typically in early summer, filling gardens with lively hues.
- Background Plant: Perfect for using as a background plant in borders due to its height, helping to frame smaller plants in the foreground.
- Cut Flowers: The long stems and attractive blossoms make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Cold Hardy: Generally hardy in cooler climates, making it a suitable perennial for many temperate gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Delphiniums can be used in fabric dyeing, with different parts of the plant yielding various shades of color. 'Pink Sensation' may impart subtle pink tones on fabrics.
- The tall and striking spikes of Delphinium flowers can be used as a natural dye for artisanal paper, giving it unique, plant-based hues.
- In photography, Delphinium flowers like 'Pink Sensation' are often used as subjects or backdrops due to their vivid colors and dramatic forms.
- Delphinium petals can be used to make a biodegradable confetti option for eco-friendly celebrations, such as weddings or garden parties.
- The stems of Delphiniums can be woven into decorative wreaths or used in other floral crafts due to their length and sturdiness.
- Delphinium flowers can be pressed and used in the art of herbarium making or botanical illustration as a reference for their beauty and structure.
- These plants are also utilized in garden design as a natural support for climbing plants, when their tough stalks and foliage provide a helpful lattice for other plants to grow upon.
- The dried flowers of Delphinium can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, contributing their color to the visual appeal and light fragrance to the scent profile.
- Delphinium flowers can serve as a source of nectar for hummingbird feeders when planted in a garden designed to attract and support local wildlife.
- In environmentally conscious land art, Delphinium petals and stems can play a role by adding both structure and bursts of color to installations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Delphinium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Delphinium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Delphiniums, in general, are often associated with protection due to their tall and sturdy spikes, which can symbolically serve as a barrier against negative forces.
- Openness to new possibilities: The light pink hue of 'Pink Sensation' can symbolize a gentle openness to new experiences and a soft approach to transition.
- Levity and light-heartedness: The playful pink tones of Delphinium 'Pink Sensation' suggest a sense of joy and a carefree spirit, inviting a lighthearted perspective in life.
- Achieving high goals: Delphiniums are tall flowers that reach towards the sky, which can be symbolic of striving for higher goals and aspirations.
- Ardent attachment: The strong yet graceful stems, coupled with the radiant blooms, often signify a deep, heartfelt attachment to someone or something.
WaterLarkspur 'Pink Sensation' prefers consistent moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually translates to watering about once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Aim to water deeply, providing about one to two gallons of water per plant, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During particularly hot or dry periods, increase the frequency of watering to maintain the moisture level. Overhead watering is not recommended as it can promote fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.
LightLarkspur 'Pink Sensation' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with very hot summers, it benefits from afternoon shade to prevent the flowers from fading and the plant from overheating. Avoid deeply shaded spots as insufficient light can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureLarkspur 'Pink Sensation' performs well in a temperature range of 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 85 degrees. The ideal growing conditions are cool to moderate temperatures, as larkspurs generally do not fare well in extreme heat. Providing some shade during the hottest part of the day in summer can help manage temperature stress on the plant.
PruningPrune Larkspur 'Pink Sensation' to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a second flush of blooms. Deadheading, or cutting off the old flower spikes, should be done as the flowers fade. In early spring, cut back any old growth to make way for new shoots. If the plant becomes too tall and leggy, cut it back by one-third in early summer to promote bushier growth. Pruning is typically needed after each flowering cycle, and again at the end of the growing season to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pink Sensation Delphinium thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a balanced pH around 6.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix for this plant would consist of equal parts loam, organic compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage. Make sure to enrich the soil with a slow-release fertilizer to support growth.
RepottingPink Sensation Delphiniums do not need frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 3-4 years is sufficient unless the plant shows signs of being pot-bound sooner.
Humidity & MistingPink Sensation Delphinium prefers moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-70%. Avoid placing the plant in extremely dry environments as it can lead to stress and wilting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a cool spot with indirect light.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleDelphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation', commonly known as Larkspur, begins its life as a seed, which, when sown, germinates in cool temperatures typically in spring. The seedling develops true leaves and establishes a root system, forming a basal rosette of foliage. As it matures, the plant sends up a tall flowering stalk, which will bear numerous pink flowers generally during the early to mid-summer months. After pollination, often by bees or butterflies attracted to its bright flowers, it sets seed in small pod-like structures. Once the seeds mature, they are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. In regions with colder winters, Larkspur may die back to the ground, to then regrow from the rootstock with the return of warmer spring weather, or it may behave as an annual, depending on the climate and growing conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Delphinium × ruysii 'Pink Sensation', commonly known as the 'Pink Sensation' Delphinium, is often propagated through basal cuttings, which is one of the most popular methods. This is generally done during the spring months when the plants produce new shoots that are suitable for cutting. To propagate these delphiniums, a healthy shoot of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) is carefully cut from the base of the plant, ensuring that it has at least two sets of leaves. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and planted in a moist potting mix. Covering the potted cutting with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect can help maintain humidity and improve rooting success. Once roots have established, which can take a few weeks, the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before being transplanted outdoors.
