Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’

Description

Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ is a striking perennial that offers cobalt-blue flowers with white centres over lacy foliage. This elegant plant thrives with proper care and attention. Follow this planting guide to ensure that your Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ flourishes in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ is during spring when the soil has warmed up. This ensures that the roots can establish before the flowering season begins, allowing for strong growth and abundant blooms.
• Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn planting gives Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ a chance to settle before winter dormancy, promoting healthier growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Although it can tolerate some shade, the flowers will be more vibrant with more sunlight.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil for your Aquilegia. It does not tolerate soggy conditions, so it is essential to provide good drainage. Adding organic matter like compost will improve soil quality and drainage, promoting healthier growth and blooms.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: When planting Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’, dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This provides ample space for the roots to grow and spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to enhance its fertility and drainage. Aquilegia will benefit from nutrient-rich soil, supporting its overall health and flower production.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole gently, firming the soil to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’. This helps settle the soil and encourages the roots to establish. Ensure that the area drains well to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ is fairly drought-tolerant once established. During dry spells, water the plant regularly, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: In winter or during the dormant period, reduce watering. Aquilegia requires minimal moisture during this time, so only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer to Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ to provide nutrients that will support healthy growth and vibrant blooms throughout the season.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help to encourage continued flowering. This will ensure that your Aquilegia maintains its vigour and blooms well into the summer.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Aquilegia to remove spent flowers. This practice helps prolong the flowering period and encourages the plant to produce new blooms. It also keeps the plant tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded, cut back the plant to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and supports healthier growth in the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of  the plant in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: In winter, mulch helps protect the roots from freezing temperatures and prevents frost heaving, ensuring the plant survives to bloom again in the spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ typically has sturdy stems, but in particularly windy locations, it may benefit from some light staking to prevent damage. Ensure that the stakes are discreet and do not detract from the plant’s appearance.

Final Tips

Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds a touch of elegance to your garden with its striking blue and white flowers. By planting it in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, and following a simple care routine, your Aquilegia will reward you with stunning blooms year after year. Whether planted in borders, containers, or wildflower gardens, this beautiful plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. Enjoy its grace and charm from late spring to early summer!

RHS Details

See more Aquilegia from Proctors