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
The common name granny’s bonnets may not conjure visions of glamour these days but Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' are so absolutely in vogue and outrageously chic, they should catwalk into your planting plan immediately. Clad in ultra-trendy deep plum shades, rounds of extra petals form an elegant nodding bloom. This is a statuesque beauty with a tall and graceful habit, growing up 90cm in height, Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' knows just how to hold those captivating near-black flowers for maximum effect. Scalloped blue-green foliage at the base of the plant are a perfect podium to accentuate the depth of colour in the flowers which are held above it. Not only does this hardy plant look amazing, but it’s easy to grow, low-maintenance, hardy and it’s perennial so it grows back every year, better and better each time. Bees absolutely love it too.
Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' is a spring flowering perennial, you can look forward to this display of blooms from around April into May each year. They mingle well and crate some gorgeous contrasts with spring bulbs like tulips and late flowering Narcissi, but also other late-spring flowering perennials like Brunnera, peonies and oriental poppies. In shade, try them among ferns like Athyrium 'Metallicum'. Originating from European native wildflowers, Aquilegias like this are especially useful as they’re happy to grow in all aspects including sun, partial shade, and even full shade, making them a valuable addition to trickier areas of the garden. The almost black satin tones of Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' would intensify white and pink colours particularly well. With its long stems and spurless blooms bred specifically with cutting in mind, it also makes a superb, stylish addition to a spring bouquet. A favourite in cottage gardens, aquilegias have long been cherished for their charming flowers on tall stems that pop up in late spring, and they have a long list of common names to prove just how much they’ve been loved: granny’s bonnets, columbine, even granny’s nightcap!
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 vulgaris var. stellata 'Black Barlow' (Barlow Series) (d)
- Flower colour
- Near-black, plum, 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
-20%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£52.00
Sale price
£65.00
-20%
Allium azureum
Regular price
£3.12
Sale price
£3.90
-20%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£3.92
Sale price
£4.90
-20%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
Regular price
£4.96
Sale price
£6.20
-20%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Regular price
£5.52
Sale price
£6.90
-30%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£5.25
Sale price
£7.50
Aquilegia 'Black Barlow' reviews
[rating] out of 5 stars Verified buyerProduct review textProduct reviewer![]()
![]()
![]()
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
