Swan Mixture Aquilegia

Swan Mixture is a clump-forming columbine selection grown for an assortment of large, spurred flowers above divided foliage. Because it is a color mixture, the precise combination depends on the seed lot and individual plants; use it where a varied spring palette is welcome in informal borders, woodland edges, or cut-flower beds. ## Flowers and placement PanAmerican Seed’s [Aquilegia brochure](https://www.panamseed.com/PdfAssets/pdfpage.aspx?pdfid=15) identifies Swan Mixture as an Aquilegia selection. Ball Seed’s [cut-flower catalog](https://www.ballseed.com/PDF/Catalogs/BallSeed-CutFlowers-2022-21306350_RevOctober5.pdf) lists Swan Mix among its perennial liner offerings. The RHS [Swan Series profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/365771/aquilegia-swan-series/details) describes the series as clump-forming, with large flowers in several single and bicolored palettes, generally blooming from early spring into summer. ## Growing conditions Provide full sun to partial shade and fertile soil that is moist but free-draining. In warmer climates, partial shade is useful during the hottest part of the day. Columbines can be short-lived perennials, while seedlings may appear where seedheads are left; a mixed planting may not repeat the original balance of colors in later generations. ## Seasonal role Plant the mixture in groups for a blended spring display, or distribute it among later-flowering perennials to bridge the change of season. The varied colors can also provide flexible material for informal bouquets. ## Maintenance Remove faded flowers to limit self-sowing and keep the planting tidy. Cut back foliage after it fades; divide established plants only when needed because columbines recover slowly from root disturbance. Remove faded flowers to limit self-sowing and keep the planting tidy. Cut back foliage after it fades. Established plants may be divided in spring when needed, although columbines recover slowly from root disturbance.