About

Aquilegia bertolonii is a perennial plant that typically reaches a height of 30 cm. It features finely divided leaves at its base and upright stems that support up to four drooping flowers. These flowers are violet-blue, characterized by their broad sepals and short spurs that may be straight or slightly hooked.

About the genus

Aquilegia consists of herbaceous perennials that grow in clumps, characterized by their long-stemmed, three-parted basal leaves. The upright, leafy stems support bell-shaped blooms featuring wide-spreading sepals and petals that possess spurs, all arranged on branched stalks.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native to
SE France, NW Italy

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Pruning
Cut back foliage affected by fungal diseases
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, sawflies and caterpillars
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and aquilegia downy mildew