Aquilegia Early Bird Purple and Blue

Aquilegia Early Bird Purple and Blue is a captivating early-flowering perennial, bringing a burst of charm to spring borders and cottage gardens. Its elegant, nodding blooms display a striking contrast of rich purple petals and soft blue outer sepals, each flower delicately spurred and brimming with character. Compact yet abundant, this variety is ideal for adding layers of colour to beds, containers, or naturalised plantings. Loved by pollinators, it offers a valuable early nectar source for bees and butterflies. Hardy and easy to grow, Early Bird Purple and Blue rewards with a long flowering season and an effortless, graceful presence year after year.

Planting Instructions

Aquilegia ‘Early Bird Purple and Blue’ is a charming, compact perennial that flowers earlier than most columbines. Its striking bicolour blooms — rich purple outer petals with sky-blue inner petals — bring vibrant colour to spring borders, cottage gardens, and containers.

When to Plant:
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding frost and very hot, dry spells.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny or partially shaded site in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Perfect for mixed borders, underplanting roses, or naturalising among other spring perennials.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the crown is level with the surrounding soil.
• Spacing: 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) apart.
• Tip: Water thoroughly after planting to help roots establish.

Aftercare:
Keep well-watered during dry spells in the first growing season. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. If you want it to self-seed, allow some seed heads to mature. Cut back faded foliage in autumn or early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Top Tip:
For a longer-lasting display, plant with later-blooming companions like hardy geraniums or campanulas — they’ll carry the colour through summer once the aquilegia finishes its spring show.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

May - August

Height:

14” (40cm)

Hardy Perennial

Tip: Cut back after intial flowering for re-growth and continious flowering into late summer