Overview
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6, H7. Suggested uses include cottage gardens, informal spaces, wildlife gardens and cut flowers.
About
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' is a clump-forming Aquilegia in the Ranunculaceae that flowers from May to July. It has deciduous foliage and suits positions in full sun or partial shade. Plant it in loam or sandy soils that are moist but well-drained and on south, east or west-facing, sheltered aspects. Its hardiness ratings of H6–H7 mean it is very hardy to fully hardy in UK conditions.
About the genus
Aquilegia, commonly known as columbines, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae (buttercups). The genus includes between 70 and 400 taxa with natural ranges across the Northern Hemisphere. Natural and introduced populations of Aquilegia exist on all continents but Antarctica.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aquilegia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aquilegia
In the garden
A clump-forming cultivar of Aquilegia in the buttercup family, Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' carries its main display between May and July. The foliage is deciduous, so the plant dies back after the season and re-establishes growth the following year. Its flowering interval makes it useful for transitioning borders from late spring into early summer. Select a site with full sun or partial shade and shelter from strong winds; south, east and west-facing aspects suit it best. Soils should be loam or sand, with good moisture retention yet free-draining; it tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Hardiness ratings H6–H7 translate to very hardy through fully hardy across UK gardens, so it will withstand cold winters in most areas when sited appropriately. Place Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' in cottage-style or informal plantings, include it in wildlife-focused beds, or grow it where short-season cut flowers are required. It performs well among mixed perennials where a May–July flowering window is needed, and the upright stems can be cut for bouquets while the clump continues to regrow foliage afterward.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aquilegia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6, H7
Plant details
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage gardens, Informal spaces, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Aquilegia downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow'?
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' need?
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow'?
Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn.
More in the Aquilegia genus
- Aquilegia 'Kristall'Columbine
- Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar'Fan Columbine
- Aquilegia nigrescensColumbines
