Aquilegia flabellata Rosea
Hardy Perennial
- Flowers: Summer
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Well drained
- Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Height: 8 inches
- Germination: Experience Useful
- Aftercare: Easy
- Ideal for: Border, Containers, Rockery
Description
Extremely dwarf plants with attractive, nodding, rose-pink and cream flowers against unusual blue-green, fan shaped foliage. Ideal for planting at the front of borders or in containers and rock gardens. Height 15-20cm (6-8 inches).
Sowing Instructions
| Sowing time: | late winter to early summer |
|---|
Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed sowing mix in pots or trays. Do not cover the seed. Seal container inside a plastic bag and keep at a temperature of between 15-20C (59-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the mix moist but not waterlogged; germination can take 1 to 3 months.
Sometimes slow to germinate. If no germination after 8 weeks, pre-chill for 3 weeks.
Growing Instructions
When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Plant out once plants are well grown, 23-30cm (9-12in) apart, after last spring frost and at least 8 weeks before first fall frost.
Aftercare Instructions
For best results, provide any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun. Aquilegia canadensis seeds should be hand-sown into germination trays in greenhouse temperatures of 21o to 24oC (70o to 75oF). Germination will take place within 3 to 4 weeks, and supplemental lighting is not necessary. Soil in the germination trays must be kept evenly moist during germination. Fertilization may damage the foliage, so avoid application while in germination trays.
Seedlings can be transplanted into plug cells following a 3-4 week period of root development. Plugs will need to be cut back to allow for air circulation over the media surface. Approximately 2 weeks prior to outplanting, plants should be exposed to lower greenhouse, or frost-free outdoor, temperatures.
Although red columbine prefers soils that are well drained, loose, and slightly acidic, it will grow in medium that is loose and has a mixture of organic matter. It will not bloom during the first growing season.
Germination procedures can begin in August and as late as November. Outplanting should take place in the spring (April).
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1 comment:
Started seeds indoors 29 March 2009.
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