Gro 'n Sell
Aquilegia (32)
Barlow Series- This clumping biennial/short-lived perennial reaches 24-36 inches tall and about 12-18 inches wide. It is generally hardy throughout zones 3-9 (especially in well-draining soils), and blooms in mid-spring with a mix of white, pink, carmine, blue, burgundy, bicolor, fully double and spurless flowers on erect stems. The Barlow strain look very unique compared to your typical columbine. All columbines prefer moist, well‑drained soil in part sun to shade. In northern areas, more sun is appreciated - in southern areas with extreme sun, give them more shade. This variety is known to be deer and rabbit resistant. Developed specifically for cut-flower use, harvested stems should last between one and two weeks in a vase. By harvesting the stems down to the leaves, you will encourage the plant to send up a second flush of flowers! Harvest when the first flowers are fully open, but many buds remain on the stem.
Swan his violet/lavender color is popular in early-season bouquets and pairs well with other soft spring shades. As with most columbines, this variety should be hardy in zones 3 to 9, and is best grown in full sun to part shade with well-drained, fertile soil. More shade should be given in hotter climates to avoid leaf scorch. If left to flower in the field, it will be a magnet for hummingbirds and bees; it's pollinator-friendly, while being deer and rabbit-resistant. These will readily self-sow, but future generations may not look exactly like the parents.
Please note that perennial orders must be placed separately from other plug orders. The minimum order is two trays, which may be mixed and matched with all other perennials in this collection. Learn more about our perennial program here.
About Tray Sizes
210 and 125 cell trays are full-sized trays, and three of these will fit in a shipping box.
50 cell trays are half-sized trays (unless otherwise noted) and two of these are the equivelent of one full sized tray. Six of these will fit in a shipping box.
18 and 32 cell trays are full sized trays specifically for our vernalized perennials. These have their own set of shipping rules (find details HERE) and cannot be combined with items grown in 210, 125, or 50 cell trays.
Growing Guides
Click here to access all of our comprehensive growing guides.
| Common Name | Columbine |
| Genus | Aquilegia |
| Species | A. caerulea, A. vulgaris, A. x hybrida |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial (short-lived, approximately 3-4 years) |
| Format | 32 cell plug tray |
| Plug Care | Transplant plugs as soon as possible after arrival. Water thoroughly post-transplant and maintain even soil moisture until well established; minimal care needed once roots are set. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary, plants naturally support their flowering stems. |
| Temperature Range | USDA Zones 3-9; benefits from cool-moderate climates and part-shade or shade in hot regions. |
| Spacing | 12-18 inches apart to provide airflow and reduce disease pressure. |
| Soil Preference | Average to rich, well-drained soils with slight acidity; organically amended soil improves health. Very easy going, will grow in most soils. |
| Day Length | Neutral. Full sun to part shade, depending on climate (partial shade in hot regions). |
| Pinching | Not Required |
| When to Plant | Transplant in early spring, around the time of last frost; fall planting is also possible to establish before winter. |
| Harvesting | Harvest for cut flowers just as buds begin to open. Cut long stems down to the rosette of foliage to encourage additional stems. |
| Post Harvest Care | Re-cut stems and immediately place in clean, cool water. Holding solution will maximize vase life. Store in a cooler for a couple of days if necessary. |
| Diseases / Insects | Monitor for leaf miner damage, sawfly larvae, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. Ensure good air circulation and promptly remove affected foliage. |
| Bailey's Notes | Aquilegia plugs establish rapidly into perennial borders. The Barlow Series, without prominent spurs, offers sturdy stems and double blooms with exceptional vase life (up to two weeks). Swan and Kirigami series, along with other traditional cultivars, provide nodding, spurred blooms ideal for early-spring bouquets. Regular deadheading extends bloom duration and prevents excessive self-seeding. If left to set seed, plants will self-sow readily and successive generations may not look the same as parent plants. Though short-lived in commercial beds, replacing tired clumps annually with fresh plugs maximizes productivity and flower quality. |
| Resources | N/A |