How to Grow Columbine Nora Barlow
Wikimedia Commons
Columbine Nora Barlow
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Nora Barlow'
flowerNora Barlow is a stunning double-flowered cultivar of European columbine with distinctive pompon-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. This cottage garden favorite grows 24-30 inches tall and blooms prolifically in late spring to early summer. The unique layered petals and lack of traditional spurs make it a conversation piece in any garden.
When should you plant Columbine Nora Barlow in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Columbine Nora Barlow timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Columbine Nora Barlow
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Columbine Nora Barlow blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Columbine Nora Barlow dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7, tolerates zone 8 with afternoon shade
Sign up free to see if Columbine Nora Barlow grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Columbine Nora Barlow timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Germination
3-4 weeks stratification, 2-3 weeks germinationSeeds are tiny and require 2-3 weeks of cold moist stratification. Seedlings emerge slowly with cotyledons followed by true leaves.
Stratify seeds in refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Sow on surface of moist seed-starting mix under lights. Maintain 60-65°F. Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings when 2 true leaves appear.
Seedling & Rosette Formation
8-12 weeks indoors or first growing season outdoorsYoung plants develop a low rosette of attractive lobed foliage. First-year plants focus on root and leaf development rather than flowering.
Grow under bright light to prevent leggy growth. Water carefully at soil level. Provide good air circulation to prevent damping off. Keep temperatures cool (60-70°F). Harden off before transplanting.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks before flowering beginsSecond-year plants develop upright stems with deeply lobed, fern-like foliage reaching 24-30 inches tall. Stems are sturdy and may benefit from support.
Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or slow-release formula. Provide stakes or peony rings for support in areas with wind or rain. Mulch around base to retain moisture. Thin crowded foliage for air circulation.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (late May through July)Dense clusters of unique double pink, white, and purple pompon-like flowers appear at stem tips and side branches. The distinctive layered petals and absence of spurs are defining characteristics.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water regularly during dry spells. Do not fertilize excessively as it reduces flowering. Stake tall stems if needed. Enjoy blooms for 4-6 weeks.
Seed Development & Dormancy
8-12 weeksIf allowed to set seed, distinctive pointed seed pods develop. Foliage begins to decline in summer heat. Plant prepares for dormancy in fall.
Allow some flowers to go to seed for self-sowing or seed collection. Cut back tired foliage in midsummer to promote new growth. Stop fertilizing. Reduce watering as temperatures cool in fall. Apply 2-3 inches mulch before winter.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Handpick infected leaves and destroy. Prune out heavily infested foliage. Use insecticidal soap for severe infestations. Maintain good air circulation.
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
-
Increase humidity and watering. Spray undersides of leaves with water. Use miticide if severe. Neem oil is moderately effective.
-
Remove and destroy affected leaves. Maintain plant vigor with proper watering. Encourage natural predators. Consider netting in early spring to prevent egg-laying.
-
Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage during watering. Remove affected leaves. Apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide. Thin crowded stems.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryColumbine flowers are traditionally used as delicate edible garnishes for salads and desserts, though their primary appeal is visual rather than flavorful. Only use flowers grown without chemical pesticides if consuming. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalHistorically, columbine roots and seeds were used in traditional European herbalism for treating skin conditions and digestive issues, though modern scientific evidence is limited and the plant contains potentially toxic compounds. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe stunning double pompon flowers are excellent for fresh flower arrangements, cottage garden bouquets, and garden displays. Long stems make them suitable for both tall vases and mixed arrangements. [source]
Pressed Flowers & Dried Arrangements
CraftThe unique double petals dry and press beautifully for use in crafts, card-making, herbals, and preserved floral arrangements. The structure remains relatively intact during drying. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile Nora Barlow's double flowers are less accessible to pollinators than single columbines, the plant still attracts hummingbirds and bees to gardens and provides nectar sources during late spring and early summer. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Columbine Nora Barlow is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Cut stems for fresh arrangements when flowers are fully open but petals still crisp. Cut above the first healthy leaf pair on the stem. Flowers typically last 1-2 weeks in a vase with fresh water. For seed collection, allow some flowers to remain on the plant until seed pods turn brown and papery (late July-August), then cut and dry indoors. Store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The variety 'Nora Barlow' was named after a famous gardener and author, and is sometimes called the 'Granny's Bonnet' form due to its resemblance to an old-fashioned bonnet with its distinctive folded petals.
- 🌱 Unlike most columbine flowers that have prominent backward-pointing spurs, the double petals of Nora Barlow fill the space where those spurs would normally be, creating the unique pompon effect.
- 🌱 Columbine self-seeds readily, but Nora Barlow seedlings revert to single flowers about 75% of the time, so division is the preferred propagation method to maintain true characteristics.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Columbine Nora Barlow planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Columbine Nora Barlow seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Columbine Nora Barlow timeline →