Aquilegia vulgaris Barlow Mixture – Graceful columbine for romantic gardens

The Aquilegia vulgaris Barlow Mixture is a beautiful perennial garden plant known for its elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers in a mix of vibrant colors. Also called columbine, this plant is a favorite in flower borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic garden designs, thanks to its graceful appearance and long bloom period from May to July.

The Barlow Mixture offers a multi-colored blend of purple, blue, white, and pink, creating a playful and romantic effect in the garden. With its fine, delicate leaf structure and upright flower stems, the Aquilegia vulgaris Barlow Mixture is perfect for adding height, color, and texture to borders and planters.

Origin and characteristics

Aquilegia vulgaris, the common columbine, is a native European plant that offers long-lasting beauty and reliability in the garden. The Barlow Mixture is selected for its strong stems, healthy growth, and vibrant colors, making this cultivar suitable for both formal and informal gardens.

Characteristics of Aquilegia vulgaris Barlow Mixture:

• Flower color: mix of blue, purple, white, pink and purple

• Height: 60–90 cm, upright flower stems

• Flowering period: May – July (spring to early summer)

• Leaf: fine, green, graceful, pinnately divided

• Uses: borders, rock gardens, picking gardens, natural gardens

The flowers have a long shelf life as cut flowers, making them not only beautiful for the garden but also suitable for bouquets and flower arrangements.

Location and care

The Aquilegia vulgaris Barlow Mixture grows best in a partially shaded to sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. It's low-maintenance and can bloom for several years in the same spot, making it a sustainable choice for any gardening enthusiast.

Growing and care tips:

• Sowing: indoors in early spring or directly in the garden after the last frost

• Planting distance: 25–30 cm for optimal air circulation

• Soil: nutritious, slightly moist and well-drained

• Water: regularly during dry periods

• Support: usually not necessary, but tall varieties can be supported

• Promote flowering: Removing spent flowers encourages repeat flowering

The Barlow Mixture is robust and resistant to pests and diseases, making it a reliable perennial addition to any border.

Use in garden and balcony

Aquilegia vulgaris Barlow Mixture is versatile in use:

• Spring and summer borders: add height and colour with the graceful flowers

• Rock gardens: combine with other spring bloomers such as irises or geraniums

• Pick-a-Pick Garden: suitable for making colorful bouquets

• Natural gardens: attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators for biodiversity

Thanks to the mix of colours and flower shapes, the Barlow Mixture creates a playful and natural effect, whether planted as a standalone or in groups.

Bee-friendly and sustainable

The Aquilegia vulgaris Barlow Mixture is a bee-friendly plant that attracts a variety of pollinators and contributes to a healthy and biodiverse garden. It's a sustainable choice: once planted, this perennial can continue to bloom for years with minimal care.

Summary

Conclusion

The Aquilegia vulgaris Barlow Mixture is a colorful perennial columbine that adds elegance, color, and biodiversity to any garden. Its mix of colors, strong stems, and easy care make it an excellent choice for romantic borders, cut flower gardens, and natural garden designs.