Aquilegia Black Barlow

Description

Aquilegia ‘Black Barlow’ – columbine

Botanical name: Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Black Barlow’
Common names: Columbine, granny’s bonnet
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, with airy flower stems
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 75–90cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Ferny, divided, blue-green leaves in a basal clump; deciduous
Flowers: Fully double, spurless, pompom-like deep maroon-black flowers on tall stems in late spring to early summer (May–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 3–8
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Garden form; the genus is native to the northern hemisphere
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; the seeds and roots in particular can be harmful if eaten, and the sap may irritate skin

Aquilegia ‘Black Barlow’ is a dramatic columbine with fully double, spurless, pompom-like flowers in deep maroon-black on tall stems. Striking and easy, it brings moody colour and cottage charm to borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A classic cottage-garden perennial, columbine (or granny’s bonnet) is loved for its dainty, nodding flowers held on airy stems above pretty ferny foliage in late spring and early summer. Easy, charming and quick to establish, it self-seeds freely to weave through a border, and brings an old-fashioned, romantic feel to any planting.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade — it is easy and adaptable, and happy in a little shade. Ideal for cottage, mixed and woodland-edge borders. Space about 40cm apart. Water while establishing. It self-seeds freely.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Deadhead to prolong flowering and to limit self-seeding, or leave some seedheads to sustain and spread it. Cut back after flowering; a hard cut-back can produce a fresh flush of foliage. Aquilegia is naturally fairly short-lived, but self-seeds to keep itself going. Cut down old growth in autumn.

Propagation

• Seed: Sow seed in spring, or allow it to self-seed freely; note that seedlings of named forms may vary, as aquilegias hybridise readily.
• Division: Can be divided in spring, though it resents disturbance and is often better replaced from seed.

Pests & diseases

Generally easy. Aquilegia can be affected by powdery mildew, especially in dry spells (cutting back produces fresh growth), and by aquilegia sawfly and leaf miner. Otherwise reliable and charming.

Uses in the garden

Superb in cottage, mixed and woodland-edge borders, where its dainty spring flowers and ferny foliage bring an old-fashioned charm, weaving through other plants as it self-seeds; lovely for cutting.

Wildlife value

The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, and long-tongued bees are particularly drawn to the spurred blooms.

Toxicity & safety

Columbine has a low level of toxicity: the seeds and roots in particular can be harmful if eaten, so discourage children and pets from doing so, and the sap may irritate skin.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Black Barlow’ is one of the most dramatic aquilegias — tall stems of fully double, spurless flowers in deep, moody maroon-black, like little dark pompoms. It’s wonderful for adding depth to a cottage or mixed border and mixes beautifully with brighter colours. It self-seeds freely, though seedlings may vary, so save seed or divide if you want to keep it true.

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