About

Aquilegia skinneri 'Tequila Sunrise' is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches a height of up to 80 cm and forms clumps over time. Its bluish-green foliage is composed of rounded leaflets that provide a lush backdrop. From early summer through autumn, the plant produces nodding flowers characterized by orange-red outer petals and spurs, complemented by yellow inner petals and prominent yellow stamens. Notably, this variety has the potential to bloom in its first year when grown from seed.

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
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See aquilegia cultivation
Pruning
To encourage more flowers (and prevent self-seeding) deadhead regularly. Cut back foliage after flowering to promote fresh growth in late summer
Propagation
Propagate by seed; home-saved seed 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, caterpillars, leaf miners, aquilegia gall midge and aquilegia sawfly
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and aquilegia downy mildew