Overview
Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
This cultivar of the robust, clump-forming species produces prominent spurred flowers in May and June. The central petals are a rich dark yellow, while the outer segments are a lighter shade, creating a noticeable contrast. The plant features mid-green, finely divided foliage that resembles ferns.
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
Best soil and position for Aquilegia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews and aquilegia downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'?
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'?
Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' need?
Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' grow?
Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'?
Propagate by seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn.
Is Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' good for pollinators?
Yes — Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.