Aquilegia caerulea 'Heavenly Blue'

– Highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

– Flowers provide nectar in late spring when food sources may be limited.

– Spring to early summer: peak flowering season.

– Summer: foliage remains attractive; may rebloom lightly if deadheaded.

– Fall: foliage declines and dies back.

– Winter: dormant.

Cottage gardens – woodland edges – pollinator gardens – mixed borders – wildflower or meadow plantings – cut flower gardens

– Fern-like, divided leaves, bright green with delicate texture.

– Provides attractive ground-level foliage even after blooms fade.

– Showy, nodding, two-toned blooms with sky blue to lavender-blue petals and white centers.

– Long, backward-projecting spurs add elegance.

– Blooms in late spring to early summer.

– Plant in early spring or fall.

– Space plants 12–18 inches apart in well-drained, fertile soil.

– Loosen soil to at least 12 inches deep and amend with compost to improve drainage and nutrients.

– Plant crowns at soil level and water thoroughly after planting.

– Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding.

– Cut back foliage to ground level in late fall after the plant dies back.

– Remove damaged or diseased leaves during the season to encourage fresh growth.

– Requires moderate, consistent moisture.

– Soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged.

– Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.

– Prefers full sun to partial shade.

– In cooler climates, full sun encourages the best blooms.

– In warmer regions, afternoon shade helps prevent stress.

– Flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements, lasting 5–7 days in water.

– Allow some seed heads to mature if natural reseeding is desired.

– Seeds can be harvested in late summer once pods dry and split.

– Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

– Side-dress with compost midseason to promote healthy foliage and blooms.

– Avoid heavy feeding, which can cause lush foliage but fewer flowers.

– Cross-pollinated by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

– Flowers have long nectar spurs, making them especially attractive to hummingbirds.

Pairs beautifully with other cottage and woodland perennials:

– Hosta – broad-leaf contrast to delicate ferny foliage.

– Astilbe – adds airy plumes in similar bloom season.

– Campanula – complementary blue and purple tones.

– Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart) – adds a romantic, springtime pairing.

– Ferns – provide textured, green backdrops.