Aquilegia 'Nora Barlow' Seeds

Aquilegia vulgaris 'Nora Barlow' is a truly unique variety. Unlike standard Columbines, she doesn't have the long "spurs" at the back of the flower. Instead, she produces fully double, pom-pom blooms that look remarkably like miniature dahlias or clematis.

The petals are a fascinating antique blend of raspberry-pink, creamy white, and touches of pale green at the tips. Named after the granddaughter of Charles Darwin, this plant has been a favourite of English gardeners for centuries and brings an instant sense of history and charm to a border.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Nora Barlow'

This is a plant for gardeners who appreciate detail. The intricate layering of the petals is mesmerising. Because the flower heads nod on tall, wiry stems, they dance beautifully in the slightest breeze, adding movement to your flower beds.

It is also incredibly versatile. Like all Aquilegias, it thrives in those tricky shady spots under trees or near fences where sun-loving plants fail. It is robust, hardy, and makes a surprisingly good cut flower if harvested just as the buds are opening.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Short-Lived Perennial?

Aquilegia is a Hardy Perennial, though often described as "short-lived."

The individual plant will typically live for 3 to 4 years. However, 'Nora Barlow' is a generous self-seeder. If you leave the seed heads on (which look like majestic cranes' bills), she will scatter seeds around her base, ensuring you have a fresh crop of seedlings to carry on the display year after year.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Aquilegia seeds can sometimes be a little sleepy, so they benefit from a "cold shock" to wake them up.

🌱 Germination Tip:
These seeds need light to germinate. I recommend placing the seed packet in your fridge for 2 weeks before sowing to mimic winter. When you sow them, press them onto the surface of moist compost but do not cover them with soil (a light dusting of vermiculite is okay). Keep them at a cool room temperature (15-20°C).

Where to Sow:
Sow indoors in trays from February to May. You can also sow them directly outdoors in late summer (August/September) to establish plants that will flower the following spring.

Care While Growing:
Plant them out in dappled shade or sun. Once established, they are very low maintenance. If the leaves start to look a bit scruffy in mid-summer, simply cut the foliage right back to the ground; the plant will quickly send up fresh, healthy green leaves.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if this historic beauty is the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

'Nora Barlow' has a complex colour pattern, so she looks best when paired with simple, fresh whites that let her show off. Here are my top picks from the shop:

• ☁️ Achillea ptarmica 'Ballerina': The pure white, button-like flowers of 'Ballerina' (The Pearl) are a perfect match for the pom-pom shape of Nora Barlow. They flower at similar times and love the same cottage garden setting.
• 🌿 Ammi majus (Bishop's Flower): The tall, white lace of Ammi provides a light, airy backdrop. As the Aquilegia begins to fade in early summer, the Ammi takes over, keeping the border looking fresh and bright.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in spring for flowers next year, or sow in late summer for germination before winter.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)