How to Grow Nora Barlow Aquilegia
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Nora Barlow Aquilegia
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Nora Barlow'
flowerNora Barlow is a stunning double-flowered cultivar of common columbine, featuring pompon-like blooms with layered petals in shades of pink, rose, and white. This herbaceous perennial grows 2-3 feet tall and produces nodding, intricate flowers that add a romantic, vintage aesthetic to any garden. It's prized by gardeners for its unique form and extended blooming season.
When should you plant Nora Barlow Aquilegia in your zone?
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Example Nora Barlow Aquilegia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nora Barlow Aquilegia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Nora Barlow Aquilegia blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; performs best in cooler climates
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Seed Germination
2-3 weeksSmall seedlings emerge with cotyledons; very delicate and thin
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 60-70°F temperatures; ensure light exposure; protect from direct hot sun; thin seedlings when 1-2 inches tall
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlants develop true leaves and establish root systems; foliage becomes ferny and finely divided; growth is upright and bushy
Maintain moderate moisture; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; provide support stakes if in exposed locations; remove any dead or damaged leaves
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at branch tips; distinctive nodding green buds appear; plant may reach 18-24 inches tall
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering; maintain consistent moisture; ensure adequate light; stake plants if needed to prevent drooping
Flowering
4-8 weeksExquisite pompon-like double flowers bloom in pink, rose, and white; flowers are nodding and face downward; continuous blooming throughout the stage
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming season; water at soil level to keep flowers dry; apply low-nitrogen fertilizer; protect from excessive heat and wind damage
Senescence & Dormancy
4-6 weeks (transition), then dormant until springFlowers fade; foliage yellows and dies back; plant enters winter dormancy; self-seeds readily if flowers are left on plant
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired; cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring; mulch lightly in cold zones; divide plants every 3-4 years
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune affected foliage; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap in late spring; encourage natural predators
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe; avoid hot, dry conditions
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed; remove severely infected leaves
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Remove affected leaves promptly; spray neem oil; maintain garden cleanliness
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryAquilegia flowers are technically edible and have been used to garnish salads and desserts in gourmet cuisine. However, they should be used sparingly and only flowers—the rest of the plant contains mildly toxic compounds. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedies
MedicinalAquilegia has been used in traditional herbalism for centuries, particularly in European folk medicine for treating various ailments. Modern herbalists use it cautiously due to glycoside compounds, typically in very dilute preparations. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe unique pompon-like double flowers are highly prized by florists and flower arrangers for creating romantic, cottage-garden style arrangements. Their delicate appearance and nodding habit make them elegant additions to mixed bouquets and garden-style designs. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile the double-flowered form produces less nectar than single varieties, Aquilegia flowers still attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to the garden. The delicate structures may require more specialized insect visitors. [source]
Garden Design & Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdNora Barlow's stunning double flowers and compact growth habit make it an excellent focal point in perennial borders, woodland gardens, and cottage garden designs. Its long blooming period and disease resistance make it a reliable ornamental choice. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when fully open for longest vase life; use sharp scissors and cut just above a leaf node; flowers last 5-7 days in water; deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering throughout the season; allow some flowers to mature and dry on plant for seed collection in late summer
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Aquilegia comes from the Latin word 'aquila' meaning 'eagle,' as the five spurs on the flowers resemble an eagle's talons—though 'Nora Barlow' is double-flowered so this feature is less obvious
- 🌱 Nora Barlow was named after the English gardener and botanist Nora Barlow, Charles Darwin's granddaughter, in recognition of her contributions to horticulture and genetics
- 🌱 The plant self-seeds readily and volunteer seedlings often revert to the single-flowered form of Aquilegia vulgaris, making seed-saving for pure Nora Barlow stock challenging
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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