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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names common columbine American bluebells
American snapdragon capon's tail cock's foot culverwort dove plant God's breath granny's bonnets lady's shoes lion's herb naked woman's foot pigeon flower pigeon foot sow wort
Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Aquilegia are clump-forming herbaceous perennials with long-stalked, ternately divided basal leaves and erect, leafy stems bearing bell-shaped flowers with spreading, coloured sepals and petals with spurs, on branched stems
Details Aquilegia vulgaris, the wild species is usually blue, with nodding "bonnets", but many purple, mauve, pink and white colour variants have developed in gardens during its long history in cultivation
Plant range W,C&S Europe
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Toxicity Sap may irritate skin
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H7
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect South-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Sand
Loam
MoistureMoist but well-drained
SoilSand, Loam
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres
Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
Cultivation Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade
Propagation Propagate by seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Low Maintenance Underplanting of Roses and Shrubs City & Courtyard Gardens Cottage & Informal Garden
Pruning Cut back after flowering
Pests May be attacked by aphids
Diseases Susceptible to powdery mildews and aquilegia downy mildew
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common columbine
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