Aquilegia ‘Blue Star’ (Propagating)

Aquilegia ‘Blue Star’

Graceful two-tone blooms that bring soft woodland charm to spring gardens.

Aquilegia ‘Blue Star’ produces elegant nodding flowers in a striking combination of deep violet-blue outer petals and a crisp white centre. The distinctive star-like shape gives the plant its name, and the delicate blooms float above attractive, softly divided green foliage. Flowering in late spring and early summer, it is a magnet for bees and early pollinators when many other perennials are only just beginning to emerge.

This hardy perennial thrives in sun or partial shade and adapts well to most garden soils as long as they are reasonably well drained. Plants form relaxed clumps that gently naturalise over time, often self-seeding in a charming way through borders, gravel gardens and cottage-style planting schemes.

Specifications

• Type: Hardy perennial

• Flower colour: Violet-blue with white centre

• Flowering period: May – June

• Height: approx. 60–75 cm

• Spread: approx. 40–50 cm

• Position: Sun or partial shade

• Soil: Moist but well drained soil

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK

• Wildlife value: Excellent for bees and early pollinators

Note for Isle of Wight planting
Aquilegia grows beautifully in the Isle of Wight’s mild climate and works particularly well in slightly sheltered borders or light shade. It weaves naturally between other perennials and works well in relaxed island cottage gardens where plants are allowed to mingle.

Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range

• Geum ‘Fireball’ – fiery orange flowers that bloom around the same time, creating a vibrant late spring display

• Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ – silvery foliage brightens shadier borders beneath the airy aquilegia flowers

• Geranium ‘Rozanne’ – a long flowering blue cranesbill that carries colour right through summer

• Astrantia major – elegant pincushion blooms that enjoy the same lightly shaded conditions

🌟 The Green Standard Tip
Allow a few seed heads to develop if you like a natural cottage garden feel. Aquilegia often self-seeds gently through borders, giving you new plants popping up in charming places each year.