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
Intense, violet-blue, fully double flowers are a rare sight in late spring and early summer—but this is just what Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' gives you. The deep blue sepals make a vibrant contrast to the yellow stamens in the centre of the slightly nodding, almost pompom-like flowers. The dense, spiky petals are held in place, not unlike an eagle’s claw—hence the name Aquilegia (aquila is eagle in Latin).
All aquilegias have wonderful finely-cut foliage that emerges early in the year, often creating tufts of bright green among the daffodils and other bulbs. As the foliage of this Aquilegia ages, it becomes more grey-green. Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' is an ideal border plant, with its flowers held on stiff, upright stems. It looks very effective when planted next to silver foliage or amongst grasses. Or try planting with the pale lime green of Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis), whose colours compliment and contrast the dusky purple of Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Blue Barlow'.
Aquilegia is a favourite amongst florists, too, as it makes a cheerful and long-lasting cut flower.
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 'Blue Barlow'
- Flower colour
- Blue, 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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Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' reviews
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