Aquilegia vulgaris

La Aquilegia vulgaris it is a very, very decorative plant. It produces a large number of bluish or white flowers that attract a lot of attention. In addition, it is easy to care, so much so that, although it is highly recommended to have it in a corner of the garden, it can also be kept in a pot.

With minimal attention you will be able to enjoy it. Yes, almost effortless. So taking all this into account, what are you waiting for to get a copy? Do not worry: below we tell you how it should be maintenance.

Origin and characteristics

Our protagonist is a perennial herbaceous plant native to temperate areas of Europe and Asia whose scientific name is Aquilegia vulgaris. It is popularly known as the common columbine or columbine. It grows to a maximum height of 1,2 meters, with thin stems covered by villi. The leaves are dark green, with the basal ones large and petiolate and the rest smaller. The flowers sprout from an erect flower stalk that is 3-6cm long, and are blue-violet or white..

Its growth rate is quite fast, and as it blooms every year it is a joy to see it. But it will be even more enjoyable if it is cared for correctly.

What are their cares?

If you dare to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location

La Aquilegia vulgaris is a plant that It must be outside, either in full sun or, better, in an area with partial shade. It only needs a minimum of 4 hours of direct light a day to be able to produce healthy flowers.

Of course, you do not have to put it indoors since otherwise we would immediately see that it acquires a sad demeanor because it is not capable of adapting to the conditions we have at home.

Earth

As it can be both in a pot and in the garden, the soil will be different:

• Flower pot: we can use universal growing substrate that we will find for sale here. They also sell at any nursery or garden center.
• Garden: grows in fertile soils, with good drainage. In the event that we have a land whose soil is poor in nutrients and / or very compact, we will make a planting hole of about 40 x 40cm and fill it with universal cultivation substrate mixed with perlite (for sale here) in equal parts.

Irrigation

The frequency of irrigation will vary greatly as the year and its seasons go by. Thus, while during the hottest season it will be necessary to water often as the humidity is lost quickly, the rest of the year it will be necessary to space the waterings more and more to prevent the roots from rotting. Also, as each climate is different, the ideal is to check the soil before watering. For this we can do any of these things:

• Using a digital moisture meter: it is an instrument that, when introduced into the earth, will instantly tell us how wet it is. To be really useful we must introduce it closer to or further from the plant.
• Introduce a thin wooden stick: if when you remove it, it comes out with a lot of soil attached, we will know that you do not have to water.
• Dig a bit next to the plant: the surface of the earth or the substrate loses moisture immediately, but not the internal layers of the same. Therefore, if we dig about 5 or 10 centimeters and see that it has the same color as the surface (that is, a more or less light brown color), we will water.
• Weigh the pot once watered and again after a few days: as wet soil weighs more than dry soil, we will be able to know when to water based on this difference in weight.

In any case, and for us to have a rough idea, we must know that it is advisable to water about 3 times a week in summer and once or twice a week the rest of the year.

Subscriber

From early spring to late summer (It can also be done in autumn if we live in an area with a mild or warm climate) with ecological fertilizers, once a month. In case of having the Aquilegia vulgaris In pot, we must use liquid fertilizers following the indications specified on the container so that the drainage continues to be good.

Multiplication

Can be multiplied by seeds in spring. The step by step to follow is as follows:

1. The first thing to do is fill a pot of about 10,5cm in diameter with universal growing substrate.
2. Later, it has been watered conscientiously.
3. Then a maximum of 2 seeds are placed on the surface and covered with a thin layer of substrate.
4. Finally, it is watered again with a sprayer and the pot is placed outside, in semi-shade.

If all goes well, they will germinate in 2-3 weeks.

Rusticity

Withstands cold and frost up to -5ºC.

What uses does it have?

Apart from being used as an ornamental, since ancient times it has been used as an antipyretic, astringent, purifying, diuretic, diaphoretic and urocolytic. Likewise, the ground seeds and macerated in olive oil are effective in repelling lice.

But beware: before doing anything you have to consult a specialist, since overdose can lead to death due to cardiac or respiratory paralysis.

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