Overview
Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' is a clump-forming perennial columbine that produces a succession of blooms from May to July. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil over chalk, clay, loam or sand. Suited to sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing sites and rated H5 (hardy). Useful in cottage borders, wildlife plantings, under roses and as a source of cut flowers.
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 'Ministar' is a cultivar of the fan columbine, a member of the Ranunculaceae originally associated with parts of North and East Asia. As a clump-forming, deciduous perennial it provides a seasonal display of nodding blooms between May and July. The species shows a range of flower shades, from blue‑purple through white to yellow‑white, with purple nectar spurs recorded in cultivated forms. Plant in a position that receives full sun or some afternoon shade on soil that remains moist but drains freely; this cultivar tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand and grows best in a sheltered site. It is H5-rated, so it is hardy across most UK gardens provided it is not exposed to persistent driving winds. Aim for a south-, east- or west-facing aspect close to taller shrubs that can offer protection. Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' works well in informal and cottage gardens, mixed flower borders, and wildlife areas, and it can be grown beneath roses and shrubs where it will not be shaded out. Cut flower use is practical during its May to July flowering window and allows the plants to be enjoyed indoors as well as out.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aquilegia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Aquilegia sawfly, Leaf miners
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Aquilegia downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar'?
Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' need?
Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar'?
Seed, Division.
