Description

Key Characteristics:

• Growth Habit: Aquilegia is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial. It produces a rosette of leaves at its base from which slender, upright flowering stems emerge, reaching a height of up to 90 cm (3 ft).
• Foliage: The leaves are a standout feature, with a delicate, fern-like appearance. They are typically divided into three lobed leaflets and are often a pale green or a glaucous blue-green colour.
• Flowers: The flowers, which appear from late spring to early summer (May to July), are the most recognisable part of the plant. They are typically bell-shaped and have five petals, each with a backward-pointing nectar spur. The colours of the native species are usually violet-blue or purple, but cultivated varieties come in a wide range of colours, including pink, red, yellow, white, and bicolors. Some popular garden varieties, like the “Barlow” series, have double flowers with a pom-pom shape and no visible spurs.
• Reproduction: Aquilegia is a prolific self-seeder. The seeds drop from the plant and germinate readily, often leading to new plants appearing in unexpected places. This characteristic makes it excellent for naturalistic and informal garden settings.

Habitat and Growing Conditions:

• Native Habitat: The native Aquilegia vulgaris is found in damp, shady woodlands, fens, and meadows, particularly on chalky soils.
• Garden Conditions: Aquilegia is a very adaptable and easy-to-grow plant. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil and is happy in both full sun and partial shade. However, in hot, dry conditions, the leaves can be susceptible to powdery mildew. It is a very hardy plant, suited to the UK climate.

Common Names and Uses:

• Common Names: “Columbine” and “granny’s bonnet” are the most widespread common names. “Columbine” is thought to come from the Latin word columba, meaning dove, as the flower is said to resemble a cluster of doves. “Granny’s bonnet” refers to the shape of the flowers.
• Pollinators: The nectar-rich flowers, especially those with long spurs, are a vital food source for long-tongued insects, particularly bumblebees.
• Landscaping: Aquilegia is a cottage garden favourite and is also ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, and rock gardens. It also makes an excellent cut flower for spring and early summer arrangements.