Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' is a herbaceous perennial columbine valued for its fully double, deep violet-blue flowers. The blooms are rounded and layered, giving a pompom-like look that stands out in spring. Finely cut, lacy foliage fills out at the base and stays attractive through much of the growing season. Plants develop into neat clumps that blend easily with many other perennials.
This cultivar grows well in sun to partial shade with evenly moist soil that drains well. It is a strong choice for flowering borders, cottage-style gardens, and patio containers. The flowers are useful for cutting and can help bring in pollinators and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbits often pass it by, which can be helpful where browsing is common.
For a longer bloom season, remove faded flowers before seed pods form, or let a few pods ripen for self-seeding. After the main flowering period, cutting back tired stems helps the plant look fresh again. Watch for aphids and leaf miner damage, and remove affected growth early when needed. Better air flow and avoiding soggy soil can reduce issues like powdery mildew and rot. Seed is the simplest way to propagate, but seedlings may vary from the parent plant, especially with named varieties.