Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Deluxe
Delphinium
'Rainbow Sensation'
larkspur
This is a rare opportunity to grow one the most unusual—and delightful—of modern delphiniums. Delphinium 'Rainbow Sensation' has flowers that are fully double and pink-lilac, but with a creamy yellow centre. When the flowers are just open, there are blue tints on the outer petals. The whole effect is of a muted rainbow—hence its name. The flower rosettes are produced during summer, and held high, on strong stems. Well, we say high, but actually being one of the Highlander™ series of delphiniums, this is shorter than most, with stems just 80-100cm or so high, meaning that it is suitable for growing in a container, as well as the border.
The Highlander™ delphiniums, bred in Scotland, are tough and hardy, and very well suited to the British climate. Able to grow well in full sun or part shade, Delphinium elatum 'Highlander Rainbow Sensation®' will be best in a sunny spot, but make sure the soil does not dry out in summer. Oh, and did we say, its flowers are excellent for cutting, too, lasting well in a vase indoors!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Delphinium 'Rainbow Sensation' (Highlander Series)
- Flower colour
- Purple, blue
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Harmful if eaten - Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
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From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
