How to Grow Columbine 'Barlow's Double Burgundy'
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Columbine 'Barlow's Double Burgundy'
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Barlow's Double Burgundy'
flowerA stunning perennial flower featuring fully double, burgundy-wine colored blooms with delicate, ruffled petals that lack the traditional spurs of regular columbines. This heirloom cultivar grows 24-30 inches tall and blooms in late spring to early summer, making it an excellent addition to cottage gardens and mixed borders.
When should you plant Columbine 'Barlow's Double Burgundy' in your zone?
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Example Columbine 'Barlow's Double Burgundy' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Columbine 'Barlow's Double Burgundy'
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 Columbine 'Barlow's Double Burgundy' 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, prefers cooler climates
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Seed Stratification
4-6 weeksSeeds require cold period to break dormancy and improve germination rates
Sow seeds in fall for spring germination, or refrigerate seeds for 4-6 weeks before spring sowing; maintain moisture during stratification
Seedling & Rosette
6-8 weeksTiny seedlings emerge and develop their first true leaves; forms a low rosette of finely divided foliage
Keep soil moist; provide bright light; thin seedlings to proper spacing; protect from strong wind
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksPlant develops full mound of delicate, fern-like foliage; branching stems emerge
Ensure consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; stake tall stems if needed; remove any diseased foliage
Flowering
4-6 weeksFully double burgundy flowers bloom profusely atop branched stems; petals are ruffled and layered without spurs
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; support stems with stakes or cages; maintain steady moisture; avoid overhead watering
Seed Formation & Dormancy
8-12 weeksAfter flowering, seed pods develop; foliage gradually declines as plant prepares for winter rest
Allow some flowers to set seed for self-sowing and next year's plants; cut back dead foliage in fall; mulch around plants for winter protection
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Hand-pick if possible; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early morning
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Increase humidity; spray with strong water spray; use miticide if severe
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with fungicide if needed; remove affected leaves
Uses
Ornamental Flower Garnish
CulinaryThe double burgundy flowers can be used as a beautiful, edible garnish for fancy salads and desserts. Ensure flowers have not been treated with pesticides before consuming. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdExcellent long-lasting cut flowers for vases, cottage flower arrangements, and mixed bouquets. The unusual double form adds unique texture and visual interest to arrangements. [source]
Dried Flowers & Floral Pressing
CraftDouble flowers can be pressed between pages for crafts or dried for long-lasting floral arrangements. The unique form makes them particularly striking when preserved. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhile double flowers are less attractive to pollinators than single forms, they still provide some nectar and attract hoverflies and bees. The abundant foliage supports various garden insects. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalAquilegia has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Should only be used under guidance of qualified herbalists. [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 stems for fresh arrangements when flowers are fully open; flowers last 7-10 days in water. For seed collection, allow pods to dry on plant, then harvest before they shatter; seeds can be collected in summer/early fall and stored dry for next year's sowing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Barlow's Double Burgundy is a historic heirloom cultivar dating back to at least the 1700s, with the distinctive double form lacking the traditional backward-pointing spurs that regular columbines possess.
- 🌱 Columbines are named after the resemblance of their spurred flowers to a group of perched doves or pigeons—'columba' being Latin for dove.
- 🌱 Unlike single-flowered columbines that are primarily pollinated by hummingbirds and long-tongued insects, the double form produces little to no nectar, making it ornamental rather than a prime pollinator plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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