Columbine 'Black Barlow'

Black Barlow Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)

A little gothic, a little fairy-tale, Black Barlow Columbine brings an irresistible depth to the garden. Its fully double blooms—dark plum, ink-violet, and nearly black in low light—unfurl like layered silk rosettes perched on slender stems. Each flower holds a wild, old-world charm, echoing antique gardens, forest edges, and moonlit borders. The petals catch light in unexpected ways, shifting from velvety shadow to a soft, wine-stained glow.

Perfect for adding contrast to softer palettes, Black Barlow weaves effortlessly between romance and drama. Pair it with blush snapdragons to heighten its moody elegance, or nestle it among pale columbines for a storybook blend of light and dark. A captivating bloom that invites you to lean in and look twice.

For best results, remove spent seed pods to prevent self-sowing. Thrives as a long-lived perennial in Zones 3–9, providing years of color, charm, and graceful architectural form.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Perennial - Zone 3-9

SITE: Part Shade

SEED DEPTH: Barely Cover - Refrigerate seed for 5 days prior to planting.

GERMINATION: 21-28 days at 21-24°C

HEIGHT: 32 - 42"

MATURITY: 365 Days

SPACING: 10-15"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:
Transplant (recommended): Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Barely cover the seeds, as light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist by misting or bottom watering. Transplant seedlings into larger containers or cell packs when the first true leaves appear. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting outdoors after the last frost.

Direct Seed (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 18∘C. Plant in groups of 3–4 seeds directly into the seed bed, then thin to one plant once the first true leaves emerge.

Pinching: Pinching is not necessary for columbine. Deadheading spent blooms will prevent self-seeding and may encourage a second, smaller flush of flowers.

Soil Preference and Watering: Columbine prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. It performs best with consistent moisture, but will not tolerate soggy roots.

Fertilizing: A single application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at the time of planting is typically sufficient.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers are fully open.

Winter Care: In colder climates, apply mulch after the first frost to prevent frost heaving from freeze–thaw cycles.