Stunning, fully double, rich deep-red flowers appear in late spring above delicate green foliage. Height 60cm. Spread 30cm. Flowers May to July. Full sun/part shade. Moist, well-drained soil. Hardy.
Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Bordeaux Barlow’ is a striking perennial featuring elegant, fully double deep-red blooms that grace the garden from late spring to early summer. With its delicate green foliage and graceful growth habit, this hardy plant is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic planting schemes. Follow this guide to ensure your Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Bordeaux Barlow’ thrives beautifully.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Bordeaux Barlow’ in spring when the soil begins to warm. This gives the plant plenty of time to establish strong roots before flowering.
Autumn: For a head start on the growing season, plant in early autumn. This allows Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Bordeaux Barlow’ to settle in before dormancy, ensuring vigorous growth the following year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Aquilegia thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ensure it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Soil: This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility and drainage. Avoid waterlogged sites, as this can cause root rot.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Site: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. This provides space for roots to spread.
Soil Improvement: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to create a nutrient-rich base.
Planting Depth: Position the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
During the growing season, water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Reduce watering slightly once the plant is well-established.
During dormancy, Aquilegia requires minimal water. Only water if the soil becomes overly dry.
Feeding
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support strong growth and vibrant flowers.
A light feed in mid-summer can help maintain healthy foliage after the flowering period.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading: Remove spent blooms promptly to encourage prolonged flowering and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
End-of-Season Care: In late autumn, cut back foliage to ground level once it has died back naturally. This promotes healthier growth the following spring.
Mulching
Spring Mulch: Spread a 2-3 cm layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, around the base of the plant in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Winter Protection: Apply a thicker layer of mulch in winter to insulate the roots from extreme cold and prevent frost heaving.
Supporting the Plant
Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Bordeaux Barlow’ has sturdy stems and generally doesn’t require staking. In windy conditions, consider adding gentle support to prevent damage to tall flower spikes.
Final Tips
Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Bordeaux Barlow’ is a low-maintenance perennial that brings elegance and charm to any garden. Plant it in a sunny or partially shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil, and it will reward you with stunning deep-red blooms from May to July. Incorporate Aquilegia into mixed borders or cottage-style gardens to enjoy its graceful beauty and long flowering season.
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