Cameo Red White

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Ranunculaceae

Order

Ranunculales

Genus

Aquilegia

Species

flabellataa

Description

A perennial ornamental herbaceous plant, suitable for ornamenting green areas such as flowerbeds or borders, even in informal gardens, as well as smaller spaces such as tubs and planters; it has an upright habit and compact growth, guaranteeing scenic final effects even in compositions with other species. The spring-summer flowering shows itself with showy inflorescences, with bright and distinct colours depending on the variety, which will become a focal point in your green spaces. It is of medium hardiness, preferring full sun exposures; during the winter period it sheds its aerial part.

Varietal description

It is a perennial plant with elegant foliage in spring and summer with very showy flowers of various colours. In the winter period the vegetation disappears.

curiosity and special features

The term Aquilegia takes on different meanings; it could derive either from eagle, referring to the beak-like floral spurs or talons of the bird of prey, or from the Latin aquilegus or 'I collect water' in relation to the funnel-shaped petals capable of retaining water; the specific epithet, flabellate, on the other hand, refers to the fan-like shape of the foliage.

Many species of columbines tend to self-disseminate and interbreed easily.

Origin and Diffusion

There are about 70 species of columbines, some spontaneous, originating from different geographical areas distributed in Europe, America, Asia and Africa; among the cultivated species is Aquilegia flabellata from northern Japan, China and Russia, which has spread to Europe in an assortment of varieties with flowers of different colour shades.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, lending elegance and refinement to the copious flowering.

Leaf

Leaf has a palmately lobed lamina.

Flowering period

The flowering period lasts from late spring to summer for a duration of 90 to 120 days, ensuring a continuity in the presence of decorative and showy inflorescences that act as a focal point.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence compound spike.

Leaf color

Leaf Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the floor plan varies from 0.2 to 0.5 m, making it suitable for creating dramatic perspective views.

Lifespan

Perennial plant, during the winter period it sheds its aerial part.

Suggested planting locations

Due to the elegance and charm of its blooms, it is suitable for ornamenting highly decorative green areas such as flowerbeds, borders Ideal also for smaller spaces such as tubs or planters.

Stem/stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is semi-double in shape, small in size, with a funnel-shaped corolla and slightly veined petals. It is arranged in medium-sized compound spike inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It exudes a sweet, delicate fragrance. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Develops compact growth, ideal for use in borders.

Plant habit

The upright habit makes the final effect very aesthetically interesting, even in combination with other flower species, in flower beds or other settings.

branching

The medium branching gives a pleasant decorative appearance with the presence of colourful patches of flowers in formal balance with the foliage.

pH

The ideal soil pH varies from slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from a minimum of 5.5 to a maximum of 7.0.

soil preparation

For spring transplanting into beds, carry out light digging, removing any weeds and bulky stones. We recommend adding professional-quality substrate over the surface to an average height of 5/10 cm and carefully levelling off.

sun exposure

To achieve excellent vegetative growth and lush flowering, expose the plant to full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 20 °C. It is suitable for temperate climates; mulching is recommended during the winter to protect it and facilitate the subsequent spring vegetative revival.

Use

Due to its aesthetic value, it is used in
Ornamental

Hardiness

A variety characterised by medium hardiness, it is very versatile both in flowerbeds and tubs.

Soil/medium

For gardens and flowerbeds, it offers the best growth results in a medium, peaty, light and well-draining soil; for use in pots, a substrate for spring plants based on fibrous peat and perlite is recommended.

Maintenance

It is easy to cultivate and the level of management effort is low overall.

cultivation tips

In order to ensure optimal development of the root system and, consequently, of the aerial system with subsequent lush flowering, it is advisable to

Avoid over-watering

Composition

Suitable for compact and colourful ornamental compositions formed by groups of several varieties of the same species or combined with other ornamentals with different heights in order to create perspective views and create beautiful contrasts in mixed beds; recommended for use with Astilbe chinensis, Digitalis pupurea.

planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average planting density of 10 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper development of each specimen. It is also suggested that each plant with a vegetative apex be positioned above the soil surface, avoiding copious watering to prevent collar rot.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication is by seed in spring or by division of the heads in July/August.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or canal, by hand watering or irrigation system. Take extra care when transplanting as the plant may be more susceptible to stress in the new planting site, keeping the latter at a constant humidity but not saturated with water. Afterwards always keep the soil or substrate moist by avoiding both water stagnation, which can cause root rot, and dryness with subsequent yellowing of the vegetation. We also suggest not watering the foliage from above, especially during flowering, but to supply water directly to the soil or substrate so as not to damage the flowers and prevent the development of phytopathologies.

Fertilization

Following a correct settlement after transplanting, during the spring-summer period, apply a specific fertiliser for ornamentals to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Pet friendly

It can cause toxicity by ingestion but is hardly palatable; consult with your veterinarian in case of intake.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

May be toxic if ingested.

advise 1

Avoid exposing the plants to poor light, and areas with high ambient humidity, and aerial watering. In autumn, remove the aerial part of the plant, the rhizomes will remain, which will start again next spring.