Aquilegia

The genus Aquilegia, or Watershed (Aquilegia), includes about 100 herbaceous perennial species that are grown as annuals or biennials. Lower leaves are long-stemmed, twice - and thrice-striated glabrous; stem-trifoliate sessile. Differently colored flowers consist of 5 sepals and 5 petals, bent back and having elegant "extensions", the so-called spurs. They bloom from May to July. Species for stony gardens with a height of 10-30 cm came from the Alps and Pyrenees, others-from the Far East. Alpine Aquilegia (Aquilegia alpina) from Switzerland with blue and white flowers; Aquilegia Bertoloni (A. bertolonii) from Italy with purple-blue flowers; Aquilegia discolor (A. discolor) from Spain with pale blue or white flowers; Aquilegia fan-shaped (A. flabellata) from Japan with transitions from white to lilac-blue; Aquilegia rocky (A. scopulorum) with the Rocky mountains painted in shades from pale lavender to dark purple. The height of species for borders is up to 1 m, with large flowers native to North America. The exception is the common Aquilegia (A. vulgaris), which is the only species of European origin. Hybrids with white, red, blue and yellow flowers were artificially bred from it. The catchment area is light blue (A. caerulea) from the USA white flowers with a transition to blue or yellow. Aquilegia canadensis (a. canadensis) has yellow flowers with red spurs.

The genus Aquilegia, or Watershed (Aquilegia), includes about 100 herbaceous perennial species that are grown as annuals or biennials. Lower leaves are long-stemmed, twice - and thrice-striated glabrous; stem-trifoliate sessile. Differently colored flowers consist of 5 sepals and 5 petals, bent back and having elegant "extensions", the so-called spurs. They bloom from May to July. Species for stony gardens with a height of 10-30 cm came from the Alps and Pyrenees, others-from the Far East.

Alpine Aquilegia (Aquilegia alpina) from Switzerland with blue and white flowers; Aquilegia Bertoloni (A. bertolonii) from Italy with purple-blue flowers; Aquilegia discolor (A. discolor) from Spain with pale blue or white flowers; Aquilegia fan-shaped (A. flabellata) from Japan with transitions from white to lilac-blue; Aquilegia rocky (A. scopulorum) with the Rocky mountains painted in shades from pale lavender to dark purple. The height of species for borders is up to 1 m, with large flowers native to North America. The exception is the common Aquilegia (A. vulgaris), which is the only species of European origin. Hybrids with white, red, blue and yellow flowers were artificially bred from it. The catchment area is light blue (A. caerulea) from the USA white flowers with a transition to blue or yellow. Aquilegia canadensis (a. canadensis) has yellow flowers with red spurs.

Cultivation

Species for rocky or mountain gardens can be grown in large vessels-bowls, which are displayed in the garden or placed on the terrace. Their flowers are also used for cutting. It is recommended to renew the plants every 2 years. Species for borders are planted with seedling obtained from seeds in spring (grown as annuals) or in late summer (as biennials) - in flower beds and in pots or bowls. In the latter case, they are planted on 3-6 plants, using a mixture of fertile humus (50%), peat (30%) and sand (20%), with the addition of a complete mineral fertilizer, diluting it in the amount of 20-30 g per bucket of water.

Location

The Sunny location is best suited for rocky gardens. However, Aquilegia also feels great in partial shade.

Temperature

These resistant species are not afraid of the winter cold. In summer, the optimal temperature is in the range from 14 to 20 °C.

Watering

The soil should be kept moist; the leaves and flowers may be damaged by excessive humidity.

Transplant

It is carried out in the spring, each time using a larger pot.

Care

For stony garden species, remove dry parts and wilted flowers. At the end of flowering, the plants should be pinched. Border types are cut off at the root.

Reproduction

Propagate mainly by seed-in July-August (grown as an annual) or March (grown as a biennial) - in a cold greenhouse, greenhouse; in flower beds-self-seeding. When the seedlings get stronger, they are removed from the containers and planted individually in pots. In addition to sowing, use the division of the Bush, carried out from October to March.

Diseases

Viruses-the causative agents of cucumber mosaic-cause the appearance of spots on the leaves and their yellowing, as well as a slowdown in vegetation. In this case, the plants are treated with appropriate preparations, after removing the damaged specimens, so that the disease does not pass from them to healthy ones. Orange pustules on the lower sides of the leaves are the consequences of rust infection, which is eliminated with the help of fungicides. The larvae of the mining moth make galleries inside the leaves. Treatment with suitable insecticides is required.

Acquisition

For borders, it is better to use hybrids of Aquilegia vulgaris, choosing well-developed specimens with large flowers. It is important to buy seeds of guaranteed quality, which is provided by specialized companies. If you purchase potted plants in the spring or fall, check for pests or rot.