Variety Profile
If you're a romantic and sentimental gardener, it will be hard to resist this engaging little plant commonly known as 'columbine' or 'granny's bonnet'. A. 'Midget Blue' ancestry goes way back to Japan in the 17th century and owes its origin to the species Aquilegia flabellata, long cultivated in that country.
Although a dwarf variety, A. 'Midget Blue' has full size flowers held on short stems just above the foliage, making it a neat compact plant with loads of appeal. The flowers are a true blue with central white corolla, a combination that teams perfectly with the bluish green, scalloped leaves.
Because of its size, A. 'Midget Blue' is just made for the nooks and crannies or a rock garden, nestling around ponds, in courtyards or, if you like, at the front edge of perennial borders.
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Cultural Care
Select a full sun or partially shaded location in a moist but well drained soil. A herbaceous perennial (meaning it becomes dormant over winter), it is best to trim off any old growth remaining when the new growth first appears during late winter. An application of slow release fertiliser at this time will also be beneficial.
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Plant Uses
A reliable and colourful addition for the front of mixed shrub borders or as low growing edging for pathways, drives etc. Typically suited to cottage or wild flower style gardens where informal groupings of two or three plants will add a charming touch to the beds. Can also be grown successfully in decorative containers that can then be moved around pathways, patios and entertainment areas to add a touch of colour where you need it most.
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