About

Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' is a compact perennial that reaches a height of approximately 25 cm when in bloom. It features finely lobed, blue-green leaves that form a lush basal rosette. From late spring through early summer, the plant produces nodding flowers characterized by violet-blue sepals and spurs, complemented by creamy white inner petals. These blooms are supported by short stems that rise above the foliage.

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, 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
Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Ideal for a rockery or container. See aquilegia cultivation for more detailed advice
Pruning
Cut foliage back to the ground as it fades
Propagation
Propagate by seed, though self-seeded plants may not come true. Established plants can also be propagated by division in spring, but they dislike root disturbance and will be slow to recover
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, aquilegia gall midge, aquilegia sawfly and caterpillars
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and aquilegia downy mildew