Overview

Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae 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 ottonis subsp. amaliae is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Aquilegia, known for its long-stemmed, three-parted basal leaves and bell-shaped flowers with spurred petals. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils, including loam and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy in UK zones H6 and H7, it is suitable for cottage gardens, informal spaces, wildlife gardens, and cut flowers, with interest in spring and summer. Propagation is by seed or division.

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 4.0Aquilegia

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-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6, H7

Plant details

Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump-forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage gardens, Informal spaces, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae

Propagation
Seed, Division
Pest resistance
Aphids, Caterpillars, Leaf miners, Aquilegia gall midge, Aquilegia sawfly
Disease resistance
Powdery mildew, Aquilegia downy mildew

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae?

Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae need?

Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae 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 ottonis subsp. amaliae hardy in the UK?

Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae 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 ottonis subsp. amaliae?

Seed, Division.

More in the Aquilegia genus

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