Product description
Hailing strictly from harsh, high-altitude mountainous regions, this rugged native species features exceptionally large, vibrant, true-blue flowers with distinct, straight spurs. The blooms hover slightly over a highly compact, ground-hugging base of deeply cut, bluish-green foliage. It brings an element of wild, untamed, and highly resilient beauty to cultivated spaces, standing out as a true collector's alpine plant.
To successfully cultivate this rugged native, you must replicate its harsh, rocky home environment by planting it directly into the tight crevices of a stone rockery or a specialised scree bed. Surround the base of the crown entirely with crushed gravel to reflect sunlight upwards and rapidly shed excess surface water away from the highly rot-prone centre. Strictly avoid planting this in rich, overly fertile garden loam or applying heavy compost, as excess nutrients will simply cause the tight, compact foliage to grow soft, floppy, and structurally weak.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Columbine
Aquilegia alpina
Aquilegia alpina
Plant more, save more
Product description
Hailing strictly from harsh, high-altitude mountainous regions, this rugged native species features exceptionally large, vibrant, true-blue flowers with distinct, straight spurs. The blooms hover slightly over a highly compact, ground-hugging base of deeply cut, bluish-green foliage. It brings an element of wild, untamed, and highly resilient beauty to cultivated spaces, standing out as a true collector's alpine plant.
To successfully cultivate this rugged native, you must replicate its harsh, rocky home environment by planting it directly into the tight crevices of a stone rockery or a specialised scree bed. Surround the base of the crown entirely with crushed gravel to reflect sunlight upwards and rapidly shed excess surface water away from the highly rot-prone centre. Strictly avoid planting this in rich, overly fertile garden loam or applying heavy compost, as excess nutrients will simply cause the tight, compact foliage to grow soft, floppy, and structurally weak.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Replicate its natural mountainous habitat by tucking it into the crevices of a shaded rock garden. The rich, true-blue flowers provide an incredible visual contrast against grey stones and boulders. Protect the Aquilegia alpina from hungry slugs by scattering organic slug pellets nearby.
How to Water
Water the area carefully, ensuring the moisture flows freely through the porous soil structure. Avoid letting the ground become completely parched, despite its rugged alpine heritage. Consistent, moderate hydration keeps the deep blue flowers of the Aquilegia alpina vibrant and healthy.
How to Plant
Prepare a planting pocket that mimics a rocky, alpine woodland environment with excellent drainage. Incorporate plenty of small grit and leaf mold into the native soil before digging the hole. Position the Aquilegia alpina securely and firm the gritty mixture around the delicate crown.
