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
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.
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 'Ruby Port'
- Flower colour
- Red
- 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 'Ruby Port' reviews
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