Aquilegia flabellata (fan-leaved columbine) — Perennial

Overview

Aquilegia flabellata is a perennial in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Aquilegia flabellata grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.

About

Aquilegia flabellata is a perennial in the genus Aquilegia (family Ranunculaceae) that reaches about 0.3 m at maturity. It flowers from May to July and prefers a sunny position in sandy or loamy soils that are moist but well-drained. Plant where roots will not sit in water and allow enough room for clumps to spread. Wear gloves when handling, as the sap may irritate skin.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aquilegia flabellata

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

Aquilegia flabellata is a herbaceous perennial in the ranunculus family that grows to roughly 0.3 m. It bears its flowers between May and July and is valued where a compact, short-lived perennial is required in the flowering season. Give Aquilegia flabellata a full-sun site in soil that is sandy or loamy and kept moist but well drained; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. In UK hardiness terms it is H7 (fully hardy), and it also falls within USDA zones 3–9. Allow space for plants to form small clumps and lift or divide congested plants in spring if flowering diminishes. In a UK garden it suits the front of borders, gravel or rock gardens and larger containers where its modest height can be shown without being swamped by taller perennials. Keep surface mulch light so the crown stays free-draining. When handling or pruning, wear gloves and other protective equipment because the sap may irritate skin.