Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
New
Aquilegia alpina
Alpine columbine
Fresh from the mountains, Aquilegia alpina brings a wonderful touch of alpine charm to the late-spring garden. This elegant Alpine columbine produces beautifully shaped, nodding flowers in rich shades of violet-blue, with delicate, backward-pointing spurs and a little cluster of golden stamens at their heart. The blooms are unusually large for a wild species, creating a striking display as they dance above slender stems and softly divided, blue-green foliage. Their distinctive shape has an almost whimsical quality, like miniature bonnets suspended among the leaves. Native to the European Alps, Aquilegia alpina feels particularly at home in naturalistic planting schemes, where its vivid blue flowers provide a lovely contrast to fresh spring greens, creamy whites and softer pastel shades.
Despite its delicate appearance, Aquilegia alpina is a hardy perennial with an easy-going nature. Growing to around 60–80cm tall, it forms attractive clumps of fern-like foliage, sending up graceful flowering stems during May and June. Choose a position in sun or partial shade, with fertile, well-drained soil that retains a little moisture during dry spells. Aquilegia alpina looks especially beautiful among ferns, hardy geraniums and early-flowering perennials, bringing height and movement without overwhelming its neighbours. Its nectar-rich flowers are also welcomed by visiting bumblebees, adding another reason to find room for this charming mountain native. Allow a few seedheads to mature if you'd like to encourage a naturally scattered display in future seasons. With its graceful habit and captivating blue flowers, Aquilegia alpina is a delightful way to welcome the warmer months.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Aquilegia alpina L.
- Flower colour
- Blue, violet, purple
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 9 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Dappled shade
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Great for shade
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
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