Aquilegia – The Columbines – Plants and Seeds
Aquilegia are also known as Columbine and Granny’s Bonnet plants. Aquilegia vulgaris was the first cultivated species however Aquilegia canadensis is from Canada and is a pretty red species with nice spurs and a touch of yellow. Many pretty double flowers such as the ‘double white’ pictured right, are also available.
Mckanna’s giants are a popular large flowering cultivar, readily available for sale online. One other favourite are the ‘Barlow Doubles’ , a spurless double cultivar with a wonderful range of flower colours from mauve to the sought after ‘Black Barlow’.
If you are looking for fragrance then try Aquilegia fragrans, lovely creamy flowers, and a nice perfume.
Care and Growing conditions
Relatively easy plant to grow as they can adapt to a variety of conditions., Aquilegia do best when they are grown in moist, rich, well drained soil in light shade.
With attractive Lacy fern-like foliage, preferring a soil rich in organic matter. Aquilegia do require water during dry periods. A popular plant for cottage gardens where they will self seed. Aquilegia make an interesting cut flower. Pests are few, the usual suspects of snails around new growth, and occasionally aphids. Best suited to cool to temperate climates, not really the best for tropical areas.
Propagation
Try division of larger clumps in early spring, Aquilegia can also be grown from seed sown to a cold frame or hothouse when fresh in autumn or in late winter, leave until they get to good size and make sure they hardened off before being planted out.
If you see no signs of germination, remember that aquilegia seeds can take time to germinate, so be patient
You may also be interested in
Aquilegia plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
P.O. Box 589 Mowbray Heights Tasmania 7248
Mail order: Suppling a range of bulbs and pere nnial plants suitable for pots and troughs. Includes Alliums
www.raithbyplants.com.au
365-367 Monbulk Rd, Silvan, Vic., 3795
"Bulb growers since 1951. Specialising in a comprehensive range of bulbs and perennials. Strictly wholesale only. Australia wide mail order service."
www.broersenbulbs.com.au