Aquilegia are native to many areas of the northern hemisphere and a re a large genus, nearly seventy species, of clump forming perennial gardening plants.

Leaves are attractive and delicate, and sometimes rounded or lobed.

Flowers are bell shaped, hook spurred and single or in groups on a single slender stem.

These are short perennial plants, but their distinctive attractive foliage and their abundant flowers make up for their short flowering period.

Essential info

Genus Aquilegia

Family: Ranunculaceae

Species: Vulgaris

Common Names: Columbine, granny's bonnet

Classification: Perennial.

Height: 90cm (36inches).

Flowering: Through spring to summer.

Where to plant info

These gardening plants are suitable for many garden settings especially in cottage gardens.

Usage: Ideal in mixed borders.

Aguilegia are great summer bedding plants.

Site: They prefer full sun, they thrive in it!

They will also do well in light shade.

Soil: A free draining but moisture retentive soil is required for aquilegia.

Propagation info By seed in spring or mid summer.

Best germination temperature: 40 deg F.

Time from sowing to germination: several weeks to several months and can be very sparodic, so be patient.

How to sow seeds….. read more

Aquilegia readily self seed so take advantage of this natural habit and use the seedlings. Transplant them to other areas of your garden where you want them to grow and mature.

Or transplant them into 75mm (3inch) pots using a peat free potting compost and grow them on in a cold frame, they will be ready to plant out next season.

Or propagate by division in spring or autumn.

If you want any further information on this plant or how to propagate and grow any of your favourite gardening plants successfully please feel free to contact us

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