Subtle. Delicate. Refined. Elegant. Feminine. These are all words that have been used to describe this Aquilegia. Its name—'Pink Petticoat'— is perfect, as the beautiful flowers are frilled and pleated, very much like a Victorian lady’s petticoat. Pale green buds open out to the most stunning flowers, the petals of which become fairly tightly packed, making the blooms semi-double. The colouring is a perfect ombré, from a rich cerise-pink at the spurs to a clean white at the ends of the petals. The flowers, with their typical Aquilegia spurs extending backwards, combined with their pink-and-white colours, make this a unique and must-have plant. The blooms of Aquilegia 'Pink Petticoat' sit above compact, bushy, blue-green foliage.

There are few plants more appropriate for a cottage garden than this—but if you have a modern garden setting, don’t be put off: Aquilegia vulgaris 'Pink Petticoat' will look good in patio pots, and in the front of any mixed border.