How to Grow Columbine Barlow's Double Burgundy

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Columbine Barlow's Double Burgundy

Aquilegia vulgaris 'Barlow's Double Burgundy'

flower

Barlow's Double Burgundy is a striking cultivar of European columbine featuring fully double, pompom-like flowers in deep burgundy-wine color without the typical spurs. This heirloom variety produces elegant, long-stemmed blooms that are excellent for cutting and creates a dramatic presence in cottage gardens and perennial borders.

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Example Columbine Barlow's Double Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Columbine Barlow's Double Burgundy
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Columbine Barlow's Double Burgundy blooms
Mid-to-late summer

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Columbine Barlow's Double Burgundy dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. In hot climates (zones 8-9), afternoon shade is beneficial.

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Drought-tolerant once established, but flowers are more prolific with regular moisture during the growing season.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from seed (blooms typically in second year); first-year plants may produce sparse flowers

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Planting depth: Press seeds onto soil surface; they need light to germinate. Transplants should be set at the same depth they were growing.

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Aged peat moss Leaf mold Perlite for drainage if soil is heavy

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in cooler to moderate climates (zones 4-7)

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Seed Germination

14-21 days

Seeds germinate to reveal tiny cotyledons and first true leaves; very small seedlings appear fragile.

Keep soil moist and provide cool temperatures (60-70°F). Seeds benefit from stratification (cold period). Light exposure aids germination, so do not cover seeds with soil.

Seedling & Establishment

4-6 weeks

Seedlings develop 2-4 true leaves and establish a small root system. Growth is relatively slow but steady.

Provide bright, indirect light. Keep moisture consistent but avoid waterlogging. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Begin fertilizing with dilute liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks (or until flowering begins)

Plant develops sturdy stems, attractive finely-divided ferny foliage, and a stronger root system. Forms a bushy mound 24-36 inches tall and wide.

Maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Stake tall stems if needed. Remove any diseased foliage. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Flowering

4-6 weeks (May-June in most zones)

Long stems topped with distinctive double burgundy pompom flowers without spurs emerge; flowers are packed with extra petals creating a full, ruffled appearance.

Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming period and encourage repeat flowering. Water at soil level to protect flowers. Stake tall stems to prevent bending. Cut flowers for arrangements last 7-10 days in a vase.

Seed Development & Decline

4-8 weeks

Flowers fade and seed pods develop; foliage may decline in hot weather, especially in warmer zones.

Allow some flowers to set seed for self-sowing or collect seeds for storage. Deadhead remaining flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired. Cut back foliage to ground level in late fall or early spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hellebores Bleeding heart (Dicentra) Coral bells (Heuchera) Astilbe Hosta Pulmonaria Forget-me-nots Primrose Lady's mantle Delphinium

Avoid planting near:

Dense, deep-rooted trees that create excessive shade Plants requiring very dry conditions Aggressive spreading perennials that may overcrowd it

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves promptly; keep foliage dry to reduce fungal issues that attract pests. Spinosad spray can be effective; ensure thorough coverage on leaf undersides.
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge, or use insecticidal soap and neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Improve air circulation by removing lower leaves and spacing plants properly. Apply sulfur-based fungicide or baking soda spray if needed. Avoid overhead watering.
Increase humidity by misting plants or watering at the base. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.

Uses

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Edible Flowers for Garnish

Culinary

Columbine flowers are edible and can be used fresh as an elegant garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. The double burgundy blooms provide striking visual appeal, though they have minimal flavor and are primarily decorative. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Craft

The long stems and unique double burgundy pompom flowers make Barlow's Double Burgundy ideal for fresh and dried floral arrangements. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase and can be dried for long-lasting bouquets. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Historically, columbine has been used in folk medicine for its diuretic and astringent properties, though modern scientific support is limited. The plant contains various phytochemicals that have been investigated for potential health benefits. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Columbine flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, making this plant valuable for wildlife gardens. The double form may be less accessible to some pollinators due to altered flower structure. [source]

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Cottage Garden Ornamental

Household

With its elegant burgundy flowers and fine foliage texture, Barlow's Double Burgundy is a classic addition to cottage gardens, perennial borders, and woodland garden settings. It adds vertical interest and pairs well with spring bulbs and shade-loving perennials. [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 flower stems in early morning when blooms are fully open but still fresh. Cut at least one-third of the stem above ground to encourage bushier growth. For seed collection, allow flowers to dry on the plant and collect seed pods when they turn brown and papery (late summer); seeds can be stored dry in a cool location for up to 2 years. Deadheading spent flowers regularly promotes more blooms.

Fun Facts

🌱 Barlow's Double Burgundy is an heirloom cultivar, first developed in the 17th century by English gardener Caleb Dorset, making it over 350 years old and a treasured addition to heritage gardens.
🌱 Unlike the typical spurred columbine flowers, the Barlow varieties feature fully double, pompom-like blooms without spurs—the extra petals form a intricate ball of color instead of the characteristic backward-facing spurs.
🌱 Columbine flowers have a fascinating evolutionary relationship with hummingbirds; the spurred form of other columbine varieties evolved specifically to accommodate hummingbird beaks, yet this double form disrupts that pollination mechanism.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Germination Heirloom Mulch Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves

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