Collection: Aquilegia Plants

Aquilegia can be planted at any time of year (as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged) but the best time is in early autumn or late spring. This gives the plant plenty of time to get established before any extreme weather temperatures.

Aquilegia isn’t a fussy plant and will thrive in either sun or light shade. The soil should be moist and well drained but not waterlogged.

Aquilegia is a spring flowering plant, which is often the first perennial to bloom in the garden each year. It flowers throughout May and June, and sometimes beyond.

Aquilegia are easy plants to care for: after the first year or so, you should be able to leave them to their own devices. Until then, water them regularly, especially during dry weather and mulch around the plants in autumn to keep weeds down. Deadheading your aquilegia will encourage the plant to produce more flowers, and you can divide the clumps every few years if they get crowded.

Aquilegia plants can be propagated by division or by collecting and sowing seeds. Dividing established clumps in early spring or autumn is the usual method. Simply dig up the clump, separate it into smaller sections, and replant them elsewhere.

Aquilegia are descended from wildflowers and are rich in nectar and pollen, which attracts bees and butterflies to your garden. The best type to attract pollinators are the open types with ‘spurs’ on the flowers. If you leave the stems standing after they’ve died in the autumn, they’ll also provide shelter for overwintering insects. Find out more about aquilegia in our growers’ guide.