Classic
Perennials at Gorge Top Gardens: Aquilegia
These old-fashioned favorites have been
treasured by perennial gardeners for generations. Aquilegia puts on a show stopping
display of mid-spring color and continues through mid summer. Colombines come in a
wide range of colors, bicolors and even flower forms. The flowers are made up five
long or short petal-like sepals. The may either be facing upward or nodding. The
plants prefer partial shade but we have grown them in full sun with great success.
Soil must be well drained and high in organic
matter. Aquilegia will tolerate hot dry locations of the garden, but newly
planted ones must not be allowed to suffer through dry spells. Feed early in spring
with a top dressing of bone and blood meals.
Zones: 4 - 9
Propagation: Seed
Problems: No particular problems known
Notes: Aquilegia seed gathered from your own plants germinates very
easily. Direct sow the columbine seeds into the garden in late fall or early spring.
