Aquilegia Barlow Mixed
Couldn't load pickup availability
Description
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Barlow Mixed' Granny's Bonnet 'Barlow Mixed'
Fully double, spurless, pom-pom blooms on tall 70–90cm stems in the full Barlow palette — deep blues, rich raspberry-pinks, soft lilacs, pure whites and bicolours — bringing the absolute pinnacle of cottage garden romance to shaded borders and woodland edges every May and June.
The Barlow Series was the first to eliminate the traditional aquilegia spurs entirely, creating completely double pom-pom blooms that look more like miniature dahlias or chrysanthemums than typical Granny's Bonnets. 'Barlow Mixed' brings you the entire Barlow palette in a single packet — Blue Barlow, Black Barlow, Nora Barlow, White Barlow and the rest, in shades from deep midnight to soft raspberry to pure cream. Bred specifically for cut-flower production, the stems are stronger and taller than most ornamental aquilegias (70–90cm), the flowers are larger (4–5cm across), and the vase life is exceptional at 7–10 days. Hardy perennial down to -20°C. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised — the open rosette structure provides accessible forage for emerging bumblebee queens in late spring.
A note on growing
Aquilegia seeds need light and benefit from a period of cold to break dormancy. Sow from January to June or in September. Surface-sow onto moist compost and do not cover. Germination is slow and erratic — typically 14–30 days but sometimes up to 90 days, so do not give up too soon. A period in the fridge before sowing (cold stratification) can help. Maintain 15–21°C. Plant out into partial shade or sun, in moist but well-drained soil enriched with leaf mould. Aquilegia thrives in dappled woodland conditions where many sun-lovers fail. Individual plants are short-lived (3–4 years), but they self-seed politely and generously, ensuring a permanent wandering colony. Cross-pollination with other aquilegias produces unique colour combinations over the years — part of the cottage garden magic.
Where it shines
At woodland edges and in dappled shade, where the elegant ferny foliage and graceful flowers earn their place. As cut flowers — the Barlow series was specifically bred for cutting and the vase life is genuinely exceptional. In naturalistic plantings where self-seeding produces ever-changing colour combinations year after year. Foliage often becomes tatty by late July — cut back hard to encourage a fresh basal rosette for autumn.
Plant alongside
For a classic shaded cottage planting, combine with Foxglove 'Excelsior Mixed', Sweet Rocket 'Purple', and Hesperis. The vertical spires of foxgloves and sweet rocket complement the rounded pom-pom heads of aquilegia beautifully. For brighter shaded spots, pair with the woodland sneezewort Achillea 'Ballerina'.
Delivery
The seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
Be a smarter gardener
Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
Embrace sustainability
Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
