Aquilegia Ruby Port - Stunning Deep Ruby-Red Columbine for Borders

Columbine Ruby Port, Aquilegia vulgaris Ruby Port, Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata Ruby Port, Granny’s Bonnet

If you want a bold, reliable perennial that enhances your garden with deep colour and graceful form, choose Aquilegia Ruby Port. As a cultivar of Aquilegia vulgaris var stellata, this variety is celebrated for its richly layered, fully double blooms in a striking deep ruby-red, which emerge with flair during late spring and early summer. These captivating flowers add depth, texture, and seasonal drama to both formal and informal planting schemes.

Ideal for both beginner gardeners and experienced enthusiasts alike, Aquilegia Ruby Port combines classic cottage garden appeal with a refined, upright habit and minimal maintenance requirements. Its reliability, ornamental value, and versatility across a range of light and soil conditions make it a standout performer for any well-considered planting plan. Whether positioned in a border, mixed perennial display, or container, it brings an effortless sophistication to UK gardens throughout the season.

Aquilegia Ruby Port is part of the Aquilegia vulgaris var stellata group, a cultivar range prized for its double flowers and rich colour palette. Unlike the more common granny’s bonnet types, Ruby Port blooms with fully double, spur-less flowers in a deep ruby-red that almost borders on dark red in certain lights.

These flowers appear on upright, slender stems, giving the plant a refined, upright habit. Each bloom is made up of layers of petals and yellow stamens, creating a textural depth that makes them as suitable for cut flowers as they are for borders. Whether you’re planting en masse or tucking them into a shady corner, they never fail to make an impact.

Aquilegia vulgaris var stellata thrives in a variety of UK garden conditions. It’s a reliable perennial that suits both part shade and full sun, provided the soil stays moist but well-drained. With its hardy nature, it can handle temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), making it an excellent choice for colder spots too.

Its adaptability to dappled shade makes it especially useful in cottage gardens, woodland edges, or around mature trees where light shifts through the day. Being easy to grow, it rewards even minimal care with abundant flowers and healthy foliage.

Choose a well-drained soil that retains moisture — think rich, compost-enriched beds or borders where water won’t pool. Adding well-rotted manure before planting will boost early growth and help establish strong roots.

Plant in early spring or autumn. Space them 30–45cm apart to allow air circulation and prevent mildew. They’re perfect for borders, pots, and as part of mixed perennial displays.

Position in part shade or morning sun, especially where afternoon heat may scorch the leaves. Ruby Port also performs well beneath taller plants, enjoying the protective canopy.

Aquilegias, including Aquilegia Ruby Port, prefer a moist, well-drained, and slightly rich soil. If your garden has heavy clay, improve drainage with compost and grit. For sandy soils, add organic matter to retain moisture.

Mulch around the base of the plant in early spring to conserve water and suppress weeds. Aquilegias dislike sitting in soggy soil, so be sure your site drains well after rain.

A slightly alkaline to neutral pH suits them best, though they are generally tolerant. With the right soil, you’ll enjoy flowers from late spring and early summer, year after year.

Aquilegia Ruby Port typically reaches around 45-60cm tall, depending on growing conditions. The upright stems support multiple double flowers, creating an airy, graceful effect perfect for mid-border planting.

This tall habit helps the plant stand out among shorter perennials, especially when grown in groups. The clump-forming nature also lends itself to cottage or naturalistic planting styles.

Despite its height, it rarely needs staking. Just give it enough space, and it will produce healthy growth with a light, architectural presence.

To encourage continuous bloom, deadhead spent flowers regularly. This stops the plant from putting energy into seed production and often triggers a second flush of flowers.

Once the main flowering season has passed, cut back the stems to the base. This tidies the plant and encourages new growth that may bloom again or bulk up for the following year.

Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring and again after the first bloom to boost flowering. Water in dry spells, especially in the first year after planting.

Yes, Aquilegia Ruby Port does beautifully in pots, provided you meet its basic needs. Choose a deep container with good drainage holes and fill it with a loamy, compost-based mix. Add grit to ensure proper drainage.

Keep the soil moist, especially in warm spells, but never let the pot sit in water. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and after flowering.

Place your pot in a location that receives partial shade or gentle morning sun. Group it with other perennials for a rich, layered container display that evolves with the seasons.

Aquilegia Ruby Port can self-seed, but its double flowers and stellata form may not come true from seed. If you want to retain the original variety, it’s best to propagate by division or collect seed and grow selectively.

Allowing a few flowers to set seed adds naturalism to the garden, especially in a cottage setting. Just be prepared for colour and form variation in second-generation plants.

If you prefer order, remove spent blooms before seeds form. This also conserves energy for the main clump and maintains a tidy border display.

To divide Aquilegia Ruby Port, wait until autumn or very early spring. Carefully lift the clump using a fork, taking care not to damage the root system.

Separate the plant into smaller sections, each with at least one strong stem and a good set of roots. Replant into enriched soil, water well, and mulch lightly to help them settle.

Divide every three to four years to maintain vigour and manage clump size. Regular division also helps prevent overcrowding and improves air circulation around the foliage.

Aquilegia Ruby Port pairs well with other perennials that enjoy moist, well-drained soil in part shade. Think ferns, brunnera, hostas, and hardy geraniums.

In sunny borders, combine it with salvia, geum, or nepeta for contrasting shapes and colour. The rich dark red tones of Ruby Port also work beautifully against pale yellow, white, or pastel flowers.

As a Chelsea Flower Show favourite, this aquilegia makes a stylish companion in both informal and structured planting schemes. It suits modern mixed borders just as well as traditional cottage gardens.

Use Aquilegia Ruby Port as a seasonal highlight in perennial borders or weave it through informal plantings for a more relaxed look. Its double flowers add texture and interest, while the tall stems lift the display visually.

It’s excellent for planting in groups of three or more, ensuring impact from a distance. In a cottage garden, let it self-seed gently through other plants for a soft, naturalistic effect.

You can also use it as a vertical contrast in a mixed pot, where its upright habit draws the eye upwards. And don’t forget, it makes a fabulous cut flower for indoor displays.

While I don’t currently grow Aquilegia Ruby Port in my garden, I’ve admired its bold, ruby-red blooms and elegant upright habit for years. This cultivar brings such a rich, dramatic colour that stands out against softer foliage and lighter flowers. I often recommend it to gardeners looking to add a splash of deep colour without the fuss—its reliable performance in UK conditions and ease of care make it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Whether planted in borders or containers, it offers a timeless charm and a lovely architectural presence. I’m looking forward to adding it to my garden soon, especially to attract more pollinators and to enjoy those layered, double blooms up close. It’s truly a standout perennial that deserves a place in any well-planned garden.

Q: What is Aquilegia Ruby Port, and what makes it special in the garden?

A: Aquilegia Ruby Port is a striking cultivar of Aquilegia vulgaris var, known for its deep ruby-red, fully double flowers that produce a dramatic effect in borders or pots. This columbine variety features upright growth with dark red blooms appearing in late spring and early summer, complemented by yellow stamens. Its compact habit and attractive foliage make it ideal for UK gardens, especially in partial shade or dappled shade. Easy to grow and reliable, Ruby Port adds a splash of rich colour to cottage or perennial borders and is often admired at events like the Chelsea Flower Show.

Q: How do I grow and care for Aquilegia Ruby Port?

A: Aquilegia Ruby Port thrives best in well-drained, moist soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. It prefers a position in partial shade or dappled shade but tolerates some sun in cooler areas. Feed lightly in early spring to support new growth. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a more extended bloom period from late spring to early summer. After flowering, cut back the stems to promote fresh growth. Divide mature clumps every three to four years in autumn or early spring to maintain vigour and encourage healthy root development.

Q: Can Aquilegia Ruby Port be grown in containers or pots?

A: Yes, Aquilegia Ruby Port performs well in pots and containers, making it perfect for smaller gardens or patios. Use a rich, well-drained compost mixed with grit or sand for good drainage. Place pots in partial shade or dappled shade to protect the plant from harsh afternoon sun. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging and feed monthly during the growing season to support continuous flowering. Container-grown plants benefit from regular division every few years to prevent overcrowding and to sustain vibrant bloom production.

Q: Does Aquilegia Ruby Port attract pollinators to the garden?

A: Absolutely. Like many aquilegias, Ruby Port is an excellent plant for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its dense, double flowers provide easy access to nectar, making it an attractive choice for supporting beneficial insects. Incorporating Aquilegia Ruby Port into borders or cottage gardens enhances biodiversity while adding vivid colour. This columbine is not only decorative but also plays a vital role in creating a balanced, healthy garden ecosystem.

Q: How and when should I sow Aquilegia Ruby Port seeds?

A: Sow Aquilegia Ruby Port seeds in early spring or late summer in seed trays filled with seed compost. Cover seeds lightly with compost and keep them moist but not waterlogged. Germination may take a few weeks, so patience is essential. Once seedlings develop their second set of true leaves, pot them on or plant them into well-prepared, well-drained soil in partial shade. Seedlings may take up to two years to flower, but buying young plants can provide blooms sooner.

Q: What is the ideal soil and position for growing Aquilegia Ruby Port?

A: Aquilegia Ruby Port prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. The plant flourishes in a garden spot offering partial shade or dappled shade, protecting it from the hottest afternoon sun. Well-drained soil prevents root rot, and moist conditions during growth support lush foliage and abundant flowering. This perennial columbine is suited to cottage and border gardens where it can form neat clumps and complement other early summer bloomers.

Q: Will Aquilegia Ruby Port self-seed in my garden?

A: Yes, Aquilegia Ruby Port can self-seed freely under suitable conditions, often producing seedlings around the parent clump. While this helps naturalise the plant in garden borders, seedlings may not always be true to type, especially if other aquilegias are nearby. To maintain the cultivar’s distinctive deep ruby-red double flowers, it’s advisable to propagate by division or purchase named plants. Regularly deadheading flowers can reduce self-seeding if you prefer to control spread.

Q: How does Aquilegia Ruby Port compare to other columbines like Aquilegia vulgaris Stellata?

A: Aquilegia Ruby Port differs from Stellata varieties by its fully double, deep ruby-red flowers with no spurs, whereas Stellata cultivars often have spurred, star-shaped blooms and more pastel tones. Ruby Port is compact with an upright habit, ideal for adding bold colour in borders or containers. Stellata varieties may be taller with a looser habit and single or semi-double flowers. Both are herbaceous perennials that attract pollinators and suit UK gardens, but serve different design purposes depending on colour and flower form preferences.

Q: Where can I purchase Aquilegia Ruby Port?

A: Aquilegia Ruby Port is widely available from reputable garden centres across the UK and through specialist online nurseries. When purchasing, seek healthy, well-established plants or certified seed to ensure true-to-type blooms. Early spring and autumn are ideal times to buy for planting success. Many suppliers also offer Aquilegia vulgaris varieties, including Stellata and Ruby Port, allowing gardeners to choose from a range of attractive columbines suitable for borders, containers, and perennial gardens.