A contrasting wild columbine with nodding maroon-red skirted and primrose-yellow centred flowers originating from Mount Konsai in Japan. A hardy, upright, and clump-forming perennial, Aquilegia oxysepala is well suited to colder conditions where its finely divided green leaves and slender, upright stems will reliably herald warmer summer weather to come.
Growing instructions:
In autumn, surface-sow on moist compost in small pots or seed trays and keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame at 15 to 20°C. Germination can be slow (up to 3 months) but seedlings should be thinned out as they grow on and over-wintered under glass before planting out after hardening off in spring. Alternatively, spring sowing can be undertaken as before, often without the need for heat.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.