Slender, upright stems bearing large, elegant, rose-pink flowers with buttery yellow centres over lacy foliage. Flowers from late spring into early summer. Height 45cm. Spread 30cm. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.
Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ is a striking perennial that features a beautiful combination of pink and yellow blooms on elegant, upright stems. This plant is known for its long flowering season and ability to naturalise, making it a perfect addition to gardens where you want to create a drift of spring colour. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ thrives and continues to bloom year after year.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ is in early spring when the soil has warmed up. This allows the roots to establish themselves before the blooming period, leading to a healthier, more vigorous plant.
Autumn: You can also plant Aquilegia in early autumn. Planting in autumn gives the roots a chance to settle in before winter and encourages better growth when spring arrives.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that gets 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade to protect the delicate flowers from the harshest sun.
Soil: Ensure that the soil is moist and well-drained for optimal growth. Aquilegia does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential. Enrich the soil with organic matter like compost to improve both drainage and fertility.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: When planting your Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’, dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. This allows the roots plenty of room to spread and establish.
Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to enhance fertility and ensure good drainage. Aquilegia thrives in nutrient-rich soil, so this step will help your plant flourish.
Planting: Place the plant into the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it lightly to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: After planting, water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. Be sure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Aquilegia is moderately drought-tolerant. During dry periods, water the plant deeply but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers slightly dry conditions once established.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant period. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ requires minimal moisture when it is not actively growing.
Feeding
Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage strong, healthy growth. This will help your Aquilegia establish quickly and produce abundant blooms throughout the growing season.
Mid-Summer Feeding: A light feed in mid-summer can help maintain continuous flowering and overall plant health. Use a low-nitrogen fertiliser to avoid promoting excess foliage growth.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regular deadheading of spent flowers will help extend the blooming period of your Aquilegia. Removing faded blooms also encourages the plant to produce new flowers and keeps the plant looking tidy.
Autumn Pruning: After the flowering season has ended, trim the plant back to ground level to prepare for dormancy. This helps the plant conserve energy and ensures healthy growth in the following year.
Mulching
Spring Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base of Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ in the spring. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature, promoting healthy growth.
Winter Mulching: In colder regions, apply a layer of mulch in late autumn to protect the plant’s roots from frost. This will help the plant survive the winter and be ready to bloom again in the spring.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ generally has strong stems, but in particularly windy areas, consider staking the plant to prevent damage. Use soft ties to gently support the stems without causing harm.
Final Tips
Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ is a low-maintenance perennial that provides beautiful, colourful blooms for several months. By planting it in well-drained, fertile soil and following a basic care routine, your Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ will reward you with stunning flowers from late spring through early summer. This perennial is perfect for adding a splash of colour to garden borders, woodland areas, or containers. Additionally, Aquilegia ‘Swan Pink and Yellow’ attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for eco-friendly gardens.
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Rose S. (verified owner) –