Aquilegia Vulgaris "Early Bird Purple Blue"

🌸 Aquilegia Early Bird ‘Purple Blue’

Botanical Name: Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Early Bird Purple Blue’
Common Names: Columbine, Granny’s Bonnet, Aquilegia
Plant Type: Hardy perennial flowering plant

📌 Product Description

Aquilegia Early Bird ‘Purple Blue’ is a charming perennial valued for its distinctive bell-shaped, bi-coloured flowers in shades of purple and blue. Its delicate, airy appearance makes it perfect for cottage gardens, mixed borders, rockeries, and container planting.

This cultivar is known for early flowering, compact growth, and long-lasting blooms. It attracts bees and pollinators, adding both beauty and ecological value to South African gardens.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

• Height: approx. 40 – 60 cm
• Width: approx. 30 – 50 cm
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming, well-branched stems

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter
• Water:
  • Moderate watering during active growth
  • Avoid waterlogging
• Feeding: Apply balanced fertiliser in early spring and mid-season
• Maintenance:
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
  • Cut back foliage after flowering if desired

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

• Best Planting Time: Spring (August – October)
• Growing Season: Active growth during spring and summer
• Flowering Season: Early spring to early summer (hence “Early Bird”)
• Climate Suitability: Performs well in temperate regions; prefers mild, frost-free conditions

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Early and long-lasting flowering
• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
• Compact growth habit suitable for borders and containers
• Easy to grow and low-maintenance

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Cottage and mixed garden beds
✔ Containers and pots
✔ Borders and rockeries
✔ Pollinator-friendly gardens