Mini Pinks Delphinium
Mini Pinks Delphinium
Compact Pink Spires That Skip the Staking
Mini Pinks Delphinium (Delphinium 'Mini Pinks') brings the classic cottage-garden spire to a tidy, compact size that holds itself upright without staking. Soft pink flowers crowd sturdy stems in early to midsummer, drawing hummingbirds and bees. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it's a charming vertical accent for sunny and part-shade borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Mini Pinks Delphinium Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Delphinium 'Mini Pinks' |
| Mature Size | 12–18 in. tall, 10–14 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | Early to midsummer, with possible rebloom |
| Flower Color | Soft pink |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained; amend clay with compost |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — foliage is unpalatable to deer |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Compact vertical accents: Its short, self-supporting spires add height to the front and middle of the border without staking. Space 12–14 inches apart.
Pollinator and cottage gardens: Hummingbirds and bees work the flowers. Pair with hardy geraniums, catmint, and roses.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist soil. Water through establishment.
How to Plant Mini Pinks Delphinium
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 12–14 inches apart.
Watering Mini Pinks Delphinium
First year: Keep evenly moist — water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture and rich soil; water during dry spells. Cut back spent spires to encourage rebloom.
Q: Does it need staking?
No — its compact, sturdy habit holds up on its own, unlike tall delphiniums.
Q: Is delphinium poisonous?
Yes — all parts are toxic if eaten. Plant it away from where children or pets might nibble, and wash hands after handling.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 3; it appreciates good drainage over winter.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer rarely browse delphinium foliage.
You May Also Like
Blue Mirror Delphinium (Delphinium grandiflorum): An airy, gentian-blue compact delphinium.
Catmint (Nepeta): A deer-resistant blue partner for the front of the border.
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill): A long-blooming companion that weaves around the spires.