Aquilegia Vulgaris Picture: Andrew Crowley
Only a few Far Eastern aquilegias are in general cultivation. A. viridiflora is a small, dainty plant, with numerous nodding flowers of chocolate-brown and mossy green. It is best grown in an elevated position, such as a raised bed, where its delicious perfume and subtle demeanour can be enjoyed at close quarters.
In Japan, A. flabellata and its numerous hybrids have long been cultivated, although the species is unknown in the wild. Hybrids like A. flabellata 'Ministar' and A. flabellata 'Nana Alba' are consistently popular among alpine enthusiasts. Its small, stocky plants are loaded with flowers, making up for its lack of grace.
Growing tips
Aquilegias lend themselves to cottagey or semi-wild settings. Most relish dappled shade. They love deep, rich soil. Most garden varieties do not resent clay, but alpine types prefer well-drained loam. When planting, work in extra humus: old muck or garden compost is best. Mulch with the same material.
Remove seed heads before they disperse their contents, otherwise the parent plant may be crowded out by its own offspring. Save the seed and sow it fresh if you want more plants elsewhere.
Good companions
Try A. longissima contrasted against the darkly dramatic foliage of Cimicifuga simplex var. simplex Atropurpurea Group or in combination with pale-lemon buttercups and golden grasses. Plant blue A. alpina as it grows in the wild, with Geranium sylvaticum and trollius. A. formosa and A. canadensis, both of which are soft red and yellow, look at home with Primula cockburniana, a small asiatic primula with vermilion flowers.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/3299601/How-to-grow-aquilegia.html