Delphinium Highlander Sweet Sensation

Description and Characteristics

Delphinium Highlander ‘Sweet Sensation’ is a show-stopping, herbaceous perennial from the renowned Highlander series, celebrated for its dense, fully double blooms, strong stems, and reliable reblooming. ‘Sweet Sensation’ produces lush spires packed with lavender-pink to soft mauve flowers, each with multiple layers of frilly petals and a soft, romantic appearance—making it a favourite for cottage gardens, floral borders, and cut flower displays.

Unlike traditional tall delphiniums, the Highlander series was bred in Scotland for greater hardiness, shorter stature, and reduced staking requirements. ‘Sweet Sensation’ forms a clump of deep green, lobed foliage, sending up multi-branched stems that bloom over an extended period from early summer to mid-autumn with proper deadheading.

Mature plants typically grow to 90–120 cm tall and 45–60 cm wide, making them ideal for mid-border planting, small gardens, or cut flower beds.

• Dense spires of double lavender-pink flowers with a romantic ruffled texture

• Height: 90–120 cm; Spread: 45–60 cm

• Flowering period: June to August, with potential for rebloom in September

• Compact and bushy—less prone to flopping than classic types

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

• Excellent for cottage gardens, perennial borders, and bouquets

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Delphinium ‘Sweet Sensation’ is relatively low-maintenance when grown in well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. Proper watering, feeding, and occasional staking will ensure a strong performance and healthy regrowth each season.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun

  • Tolerates light afternoon shade in hotter climates

  • Prefers a sheltered position away from strong winds

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers deep, fertile, and moist but well-drained soil

  • pH: neutral to slightly alkaline

  • Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially during active growth and blooming

  • Mulch in spring to retain moisture and reduce weeds

  • Avoid watering from above to prevent mildew or crown rot

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring, followed by high-potash feed during blooming

  • Enrich soil with compost or well-rotted manure annually

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flower spikes immediately after flowering to encourage rebloom

  • In autumn, cut back stems to ground level

  • In early spring, remove old foliage to allow new shoots to emerge cleanly

• Staking:

  • Generally less prone to flopping, but light staking may be needed in windy sites

  • Support flower stems early to prevent snapping under bloom weight

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 4–7 (RHS H5–H6)

  • Mulch around crown in late autumn to protect from frost

  • Ensure winter drainage is excellent to avoid rot

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Delphinium ‘Sweet Sensation’ is a versatile plant that brings graceful height, colour, and wildlife support to a wide range of garden designs. It blends beautifully into both traditional and contemporary settings.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for cottage gardens, romantic borders, and cut flower plots

  • Adds vertical drama to perennial beds or mid-border compositions

  • Perfect for white, pastel, or pollinator-themed planting schemes

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines well with roses, phlox, alchemilla, salvia, and peonies

  • Excellent alongside heuchera, foxgloves, campanula, or astilbe

  • Contrasts beautifully with ornamental grasses or silver-leafed plants

• Pollinator Support:

  • Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • A key mid-summer nectar source

  • A valuable addition to wildlife-friendly borders

• Cut Flower Use:

  • Stunning in fresh arrangements—long stems and frilled texture add elegance

  • Cut when lower florets begin to open for best vase life

  • Strip lower foliage to prevent rotting in water

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • May be affected by slugs, snails, or mildew if overcrowded

  • Maintain good air circulation and avoid overwatering

  • Watch for aphids and treat early if needed

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.