First of the perennials to be potted up are the three Aquilegia Pink Petticoats. I’ve put them in a large pot, all three together. First mistake I made was not reading the helpful leaflets before I started which advised me to soak all the roots in water for 3 – 6 hours before planting. My first uneducated attempt was to put crumpled up newspaper at the bottom of the pot then a deep layer of compost from my own compost bin, a sprinkle of root grow, mycorrhizal fungi, followed by the roots and finally topping up with shop bought multi purpose compost. I added water at the end. All three roots looked very healthy and are all showing new green growth, well yellow at the moment after their long journey from the Netherlands in a dark cardboard box. Update 29th April – I have moved the Aquilegia pot outside in a sheltered position so I hope they will thrive there.
Lupinus Mosaic Mix (Lupins)
Seven healthy looking roots resembling aliens are now sitting in a bowl of water. All have new growth showing. This is a bonus as I was expecting five roots and was planning to put them into one pot. “I may need a bigger pot” I shall probably put three in to one pot and four in another. This will be their home for their first year and then I can think again when I’ve seen how they grow. I love Lupins. I think if I was a flower I would probably be a Lupin. They are reliable, old fashioned and useful plants which deserve space in every garden. Update 29th April – The Lupin roots are now in two large pots.
Lupin Mosaic
“Lupin Mosaic Mix comprises of a blend of high quality hardy perennial lupins, often referred to as lupines. They will thrive in a variety of climates and of course they will come back year after year. They will grow best in a light soil in full sun. The plants will flower longer if you deadhead them regularly. At the end of the growing season cut down all the old flowering stems.” Quote from Farmer Gracy
Over the years I have gathered quite a few varieties of Aquilegia Vulgaris from the very first seeds given to me many many years ago by my Sister-in-law Janice who had gathered them from her Mothers garden one Autumn. Her mother has long gone but I think of her often when these flowers start to bloom.
Just like Joyce these flowers are hardy and no nonsense. They look after themselves and pop up year after year to bring colour to the garden. There are so many varieties and hybrids so my wish list is very long.
You can start Columbine flowers from seeds or buy young plants. Seeds should be sown throughout spring. The seeds need light to germinate so simply press them on the soil surface and lightly cover with soil. Germination is about 30 days and because Aquilegia is a perennial it will take two years from planting the seeds for them to bloom.
Most varieties of Columbine plants will bloom for at least four weeks. They look delicate but are tougher than they appear. They tend to be short-lived perennials but self seed and spread bringing pleasure and colour to your garden for years.
Varieties of Columbine include dwarf varieties that are just 6 inches tall as well as large varieties that are more than 3 feet tall with large flowers. Keep in mind that Aquilegia varieties readily cross-pollinate. If you plant more than one variety be prepared to see new colors and combinations.
Aquilegia is a genus of about 60–70 species of perennial plants that are found in meadows, woodlands, and at higher altitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere, known for the spurred petals of their flowers. The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word for eagle (aquila), because of the shape of the flower petals, which are said to resemble an eagle’s claw. The common name “columbine” comes from the Latin for “dove”, due to the resemblance of the inverted flower to five doves clustered together.
Aquilegia Vulgaris William Guiness
Also, known as Magpie, this variety has purple-black flowers with contrasting white centres in late spring and early summer above fern-like, mid-green leaves. The unusual flowers of this old fashioned columbine creates an eye-catching display. The plant self seeds freely.
Aquilegia William Guiness
Aquilegia Vulgaris Pink Flamingo
This is a large flowering pink variety. Appearing in late Spring it is a new columbine variety. Coming quite true from seed it should be planted away from other Aquilegia with which it could hybridise.
Aquilegia Pink Flamingo
Aquilegia Vulgaris Crystal Star
Aquilegia Crystal Star is a long spurred aquilegia with pure white flowers. A cottage garden favourite and an excellent and unusual cut flower possessing a clean crisp bright whiteness. “This has to be one of the easiest and most rewarding Perennials available producing masses pure brilliant white flowers with stunning spurs”. so says the company that I bought the seeds from so I hope so as this is the first year that I have sown them and I am hoping for them to become a permanent presence in the garden.
Aquilegia Vulgaris Blue Bird
From the Songbird series this blue Aquilegia is one of my favourite flowers in the garden. Such a perfect blue.
The songbird series is a range with compact habit and very large flowers with bright clean flower colours. A clump-forming perennial which forms a basal rosette of foliage and from May to July huge flowers with long spurs produced on strong upright stems. Varieties still to add to my collection from the Songbird Series are Goldfinch, Nightingale, Cardinal, Bunting, Early Bird and Chaffinch.
The Songbird hybrid series has a long history that started back in the 1980’s, and it’s story involves at least two breeding programs. The breeders used many species and selections in creating this mix. McKanna Giants formed the foundation of this complex cross. Breeders also reportedly used A. skinneri, A. californica, A. chrysantha, A. canadensis and a number of other strains. It’s a real mix, but is still sold under the botanic name of Aquilegia caerulea, as this remains the primary species used in the strain.
Aquilegia Bluebird
Aquilegia Wild Variety
A perennial often found at woodland edges and roadsides, long stalked with long-spurred blue-violet flowers. This variety grows to a height of 60cm and prefers damp woodland. It flowers during June and July. The foliage is very pretty.
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia Crimson Star
Crimson Star hybrida has striking red and white flowers. Columbines are attractive foliage plants that grow well in fertile soil in the sun or partial to full shade.
