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.
This mixture of hardy Aquilegia hybrids (also known as columbine or granny's bonnets) will provide you with an array of colours and shades, ranging from whites and reds, to yellows and purples, with dusky and darker shades in the mix as well. The sepals may be one colour, and the five petals something different. The charming flowers have softly hooked spurs, that nod gracefully from the branching and upright stems. The flowers are always eye-catching, curious and delightful!
Hardy, tough, robust perennial plants, Aquilegias are at their best in late spring and early summer, filling the seasonal gap between the last of the spring bulbs and the first of the summer flowers. They are wonderful for adding drama to a mixed border.
Ideal for the front of the bed or border, these mixed columbines will thrive in a moist but well drained soil in a partial or dappled shady position. However, in countries like the UK, where full sun is not a common occurrence, they will also perform well in an open position.
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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 'Columbine Mixed'
- Flower colour
- Pink, yellow, 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
Aquilegia 'Columbine Mix' reviews
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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.