Aquilegia TCHAIKOVSKY'S MEMORY

Aquilegia 'Chaykovskiy's Memory' is a perennial herbaceous plant of the buttercup family, known for its large and bright flowers that appear at the end of May–beginning of June and can last up to a month. The flowers, 5–8 cm in diameter, have a varied coloration: from purple and pink to blue, burgundy, white, and double (blue-white, red-yellow). The petals are usually five-parted, flat, and the calyx ends with a decorative spur. The plant forms a basal rosette in the first year, after which new shoots appear; this allows it to be used as a durable element of flower beds and container plantings.

The appearance of aquilegia is characterized by long, thin stems up to 40–80 cm high and airy, fern-like leaves. The leaves can be ternate or biternate, growing on long petioles. The plant is undemanding: it prefers partial shade or a sunny location, medium-heavy moist soils with good drainage and rich humus material. Moderate watering is required, but during hot weather regular nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization is needed. When grown indoors at around +15 °C with high humidity, flowering begins by mid-spring.

Propagation is done by seeds (requires stratification in the refrigerator for 1.5–2 months) and vegetatively – by dividing the bush or cuttings. It is recommended to replant once every five years, and after flowering to cut off the above-ground part to maintain its shape. Aquilegia 'Chaykovskiy's Memory' goes well with ferns and other decorative plants, suitable for flower beds, borders, alpine gardens, as well as containers and mixed borders. Despite its decorative appeal, the plant contains poisonous alkaloids, so it is not intended for consumption.