Aquilegias are elegant plants, ideal for the middle of the border. Flowering in early summer in a wide range of colours and bicolours, they look great in relaxed planting arrangements. Even before the plants come into bloom, their attractive, lacy foliage provides a charming foil to many spring flowers.

These fascinating, herbaceous perennials do best in sandy, loamy soils, for those with heavy clay soils, containers are a great option. They will thrive in full sun or partial shade and are generally trouble-free throughout the year.