AQUILEGIA

This genus belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), and contains around 70 species found over much of the temperate and subarctic Northern Hemisphere. These clump-forming perennials have fine-stemmed, often blue-green foliage that emerges from a woody rootstock. The flowering stems usually reach above the foliage and carry attractive, spurred, bell-shaped, often pendulous flowers in shades of blue and purple, as well as red, yellow, and white. The flowering period can vary among the species; some bloom through much of late spring and summer, others are short-flowering. In contrast to its common name, granny's bonnet, Aquilegia is derived from the Latin aquila (eagle) and lego (to gather), suggesting that the spurs situated at the base of the flower resemble the closing talons of an eagle.

CULTIVATION

This is an adaptable gnus, with species and varieties suitable for a range of situations including woodlands, rockeries, and perennial borders. Generally, a cool-winter climate and a position in partial shade with cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil is best. Certain species can be very attractive to aphids. Propagation is usually by seed, through some species can be divided when dormant.

Top Tip

These plants are fairly easy to grow, and are suited to sunny herbaceous borders. As they hybridize freely, plant different types some distance apart.