Aquilegia vulgaris Blue Barlow – Graceful blue columbine

The Aquilegia vulgaris Blue Barlow is a beautiful perennial garden plant known for its elegant, bright blue trumpet-shaped flowers. Also called blue columbine, this cultivar is a favorite in flower borders, rock gardens, and natural gardens, thanks to its graceful appearance and long bloom period from May to July.

The Blue Barlow offers a refreshing and striking splash of color in the garden. Its deep blue flowers contrast beautifully with white, pink, or lilac, creating a calm and harmonious color palette. With finely divided leaves and upright stems, the Aquilegia vulgaris Blue Barlow adds height, texture, and elegance to any border.

Origin and characteristics

Aquilegia vulgaris, the common columbine, is a native European plant known for its reliable flowering and ornamental beauty. Blue Barlow has been selected for its strong stems, healthy growth, and vibrant blue flowers, making it suitable for both formal and informal gardens.

Characteristics of Aquilegia vulgaris Blue Barlow:

• Flower color: bright blue, trumpet-shaped flowers

• Height: 60–90 cm, upright flower stems

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

• Leaf: fine, green, feathery and graceful

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

The flowers have a long shelf life as cut flowers, making them suitable for bouquets and flower arrangements.

Location and care

The Aquilegia vulgaris Blue Barlow 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 Blue Barlow is robust and resistant to common pests and diseases, making it a reliable perennial addition to any garden.

Use in garden and balcony

Aquilegia vulgaris Blue Barlow is versatile in use:

• Spring and summer borders: adds height and color accents

• Rock gardens: combine with white, pink or lavender for a calm colour palette

• Pick-your-own garden: ideal for colorful bouquets

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

Thanks to its bright blue flowers, the Blue Barlow creates a calm and elegant effect, whether planted as a solitary plant or in groups.

Bee-friendly and sustainable

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

Summary

Conclusion

The Aquilegia vulgaris Blue Barlow is a graceful, blue summer bloomer that adds elegance, color, and biodiversity to the garden. Thanks to its vibrant flowers, strong stems, and easy care, it's an excellent choice for romantic borders, cutting gardens, and natural garden designs.