VANDERMEER

PLANT LIBRARY

Find the perfect plant for your space by browsing through this extensive selection that we typically carry every year.

This library is for information purposes only.

 
perennial

Black Barlow Columbine

Aquilegia vulgaris 'Black Barlow'

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Black Barlow Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris 'Black Barlow') at Vandermeer Nursery

Black Barlow Columbine flowers

Black Barlow Columbine flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  16 inches

Flower Height:  30 inches

Spread:  20 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Other Names:  Clematis-flowered Columbine, var. stellata

Description:

Exotic, dark purple (nearly-black) double flowers, the small spurless flowers are pompom shaped and resemble a small dahlia; this plant doesn't like to be disturbed so try spreading seed instead of dividing

Ornamental Features

Black Barlow Columbine features dainty nodding deep purple ball-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its ferny compound leaves remain bluish-green in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Black Barlow Columbine is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Insects

Black Barlow Columbine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Black Barlow Columbine will grow to be about 16 inches tall at maturity extending to 30 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 20 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! As this plant tends to go dormant in summer, it is best interplanted with late-season bloomers to hide the dying foliage.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Edging  Garden  Groundcover  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Texture  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features

** Plants listed may not be in stock at all times. **

Please contact us directly for current stock availability.
 
Our inventory varies seasonally and we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times. To confirm if we have the plant that you're looking for, please call (905) 427-2525 or e-mail  us at info@vandermeernursery.com.
 
Remember, this library does not include our entire selection. Visit us year-round to check out varieties that may not be listed here!