Columbine Aquilegia
Aquilegia, which is also referred to as "Columbine" or “Grannies bonnets”, is a beautiful perennial plant that has many flower forms and colours. Aquilegia is a cottage garden staple that is equally at home in other styles of gardening. Aquilegia will readily self seed, however, it is unlikely that new plants will come true to the parent. If you would like to grow a particular Aquilegia from seed then please view the full
seed selection.
How to grow
Easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of conditions the Aquilegia is perfectly suited to most gardens and especially fun when
gardening with children. All plants have been expertly grown and as such will require planting and aftercare only. Following delivery of your plants ensure they are watered well and plant in a suitable part of the garden or in a container. If you cannot plant immediately keep roots moist and store plants in a cool and bright space.
Position
An area in part shade is ideal when growing Aquilegias and most plants enjoy a spot in dappled shade or the cover of other plants or trees. As a border plant Aquilegias work well and make for excellent mid to front of border plants.
Soil
Ideal soil is well draining, moisture retentive and fertile, however, plants will tolerate other soil types and alpine species in particular enjoy a soil that has plenty of grit or other substrate included which can help with drainage. Prior to planting dig the soil over and add plenty of organic matter, well-rotted garden compost or
multi-purpose compost will be sufficient, as this will help to open the soil structure, improve drainage and hold on to essential moisture.
Care
To help plants establish well ensure that watering is frequent, especially in warmer months, as this will help with root growth and ensure plants settle quickly. A regular application of general
fertiliser will also help to encourage strong growth and a
liquid seaweed feed will improve vigor. An annual mulch in spring with organic matter will help to improve soil around plants and suppress weeds which compete for food and light.
Top Tip
Remove seed heads from plants before they open and self-seed. Self sown seedlings can lead to more time spent weeding and overcrowd parent plants. By collecting the seed you can then sow in
seed trays or
pots and plant your newly grown seedlings in other areas of the garden.