Aquilegia

Much loved, the complex, showy flowers of aquilegia are seen as cottage garden favourites, as well as exotics suited to the most rarefied companions. Aquilegias generally flower in May or June. There are dwarf alpine forms that can be cherished in the rock garden - in particular Aquilegia alpina with its oversized blue or white flowers. The old fashioned garden forms are well illustrated in the dainty double flowers of 'Norah Barlow' and her relatives, popularly called 'Grandmothers' Bonnets' with a quaint charm, appearing in a range of colours. The showier forms, with long spurs and elaborate faces appear in every imaginable colour, and are improbable and exotic. There are ranges of hybrids, for example the Songbird series with a white Dove, a blue Jay and a red and white Robin. There are dwarf forms, the Winky series, and many others. Different species provide a great range of forms and colours. All colours have a freshness and clarity that wet the appetite. There are two possible downsides to Aquilegias, the first is that they self-seed with abandon unless you deadhead. The second is that they interbreed with avidity. The results of this habit can be some absolutely stunning new flowers in your garden. It may mean that you just grow aquilegias!