code: 616
In early summer, this new plant is an arresting talking point
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 20 cm
Maximum Height: 30 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 20
This is a completely unique form of aquilegia leaf variegation on an Aquilegia flabellata hybrid! Many years ago we noticed a plant which produced striking cream edging on young foliage. In early summer this new plant is an arresting talking point, the blue and white short, stemmed flowers putting icing on the cake.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils except heavy, poorly drained ones. Prefers rich, moist soils with light to moderate shade. Remove flowering stems after bloom to encourage additional bloom. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prolong attractive foliage appearance. When foliage depreciates, plants may be cut to the ground. This plant may be grown from seed and may self-seed in the garden under optimum growing conditions. However, different varieties of columbine may cross-pollinate in the garden when grown in the same area producing seed that is at variance with either or both parents.
