A compact perennial with a mounding habit. A profusion of vibrant yellow flowers over lacy foliage from late spring into early summer. Height 25cm. Spread 30cm. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.
Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ is a compact, low-maintenance perennial that adds vibrant color to your garden with its profusion of cheerful yellow flowers. This guide provides all the essential steps to ensure your Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ thrives in your garden, producing a stunning display from late spring to early summer.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ is in the spring when the soil starts to warm. Planting in spring gives the roots time to establish before the flowering season, ensuring a robust, healthy plant.
Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant your Aquilegia in early autumn. This allows the plant to settle in and prepare for dormancy, promoting better growth in the coming season.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day to ensure strong growth and vibrant blooms.
Soil: Ensure your soil is well-drained, as Aquilegia doesn’t tolerate waterlogged conditions. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and drainage, which will support healthy root development.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole about twice the size of the root ball of your Aquilegia. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the plant comfortably without disturbing the root system.
Soil Preparation: Mix in organic compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil, improving fertility and drainage. Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water generously after planting to settle the soil and help establish the roots of Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’. Ensure the area drains well to prevent standing water.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ is moderately drought-tolerant. During dry spells, water the plant to keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering. Aquilegia prefers soil that dries out between watering sessions.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period in winter. Only water if the soil becomes very dry, as Aquilegia requires minimal moisture when dormant.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to help your Aquilegia produce healthy new growth and vibrant flowers.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will encourage continued flowering and keep your Aquilegia looking its best throughout the season.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ by removing spent flowers. This encourages more blooms and keeps the plant looking tidy throughout the growing season.
Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded, cut back the foliage to ground level to prepare the plant for winter. This practice also helps promote healthy growth for the next season.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a light mulch around the base of your Aquilegia ‘ in spring. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature.
Winter: In winter, add a layer of mulch around the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures and prevent frost heaving, ensuring the plant survives to the next season.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ generally has a compact and sturdy growth habit, so staking is usually not necessary. However, in windy conditions or if the plant becomes top-heavy, consider staking to provide additional support.
Final Tips
Aquilegia ‘Earlybird Yellow’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds a burst of bright yellow color to your garden. By following the planting and care instructions, including providing full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular deadheading, your Aquilegia will reward you with stunning blooms year after year. Add this charming plant to your garden for a vibrant, long-lasting display that enhances your outdoor space.
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