Overview
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage gardens, informal spaces, wildlife gardens and cut flowers.
About
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' is a cultivar of Aquilegia, commonly known as columbines, which are herbaceous perennials in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. This clump-forming plant grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spreads 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within one to two years. It has deciduous foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. 'Ruby Port' is valued for its interest in spring and summer seasons.
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
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, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage gardens, Informal spaces, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d)
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Aquilegia downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d)?
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) need?
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) 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.
How big does Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) grow?
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d) has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port' (d)?
Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn.
More in the Aquilegia genus
- Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow'Columbine
- Aquilegia 'Kristall'Columbine
- Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar'Fan Columbine
- Aquilegia nigrescensColumbines
