Aquilegia 'Ruby Port'

Aquilegia 'Ruby Port' is a favourite of many garden designers, and it is often seen at the Chelsea Flower Show. It is an exquisite plant that, in late spring and early summer, produces gorgeous sprays of double, spur-less flowers in a uniform shade of rich and luscious claret. In the centre of each bloom is a boss of deep golden yellow stamens. It is the perfect companion to Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow', which has almost exactly the same flowers but in deep blue rather than rich red.

The rich colour of Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' works well with plants that have flowers with sulphur yellow or acid green tones and, of course, white. ‘Ruby Port’ is a very reliable variety of Columbine, and will self-seed. It is absolutely at its best in dappled shade.

Aquilegia is a favourite amongst florists, as it makes a cheerful cut flower. Aquilegias are ideal for cottage gardens, but look just as at home in a more modern setting.