Swan Yellow Aquilegia

Swan Yellow is a Swan F1 hybrid columbine with a compact mound of divided blue-green foliage and bright yellow flowers with pale yellow spurs and sepals. Its upright stems add a spring-to-early-summer display in cottage borders, woodland edges and cutting gardens. ## Flowers and Garden Use RHS describes bright yellow with pale yellow spurs and sepals carried above a basal foliage mound. The Swan series was bred by PanAmerican Seed and is known for large, abundant flowers and multi-stemmed plants; the breeder lists the series as suitable for home-garden cutting. Columbines are short-lived perennials, and seedlings may differ from named plants because they cross readily. ## Growing Conditions Grow in fertile soil that stays evenly moist yet drains freely. Full sun or partial shade is suitable; in warmer settings, afternoon shade and dependable moisture help limit stress. The RHS profile gives a broad mature range of 0.5–1 m tall and 0.1–0.5 m wide, while PanAmerican’s production guide reports a more compact 20–24 in. height and 12–14 in. spread. Local growing conditions and production method account for variation. ## Maintenance Deadhead after flowering to reduce self-seeding and encourage further flowers, or leave some seed heads if volunteers are wanted. After bloom, cut back tired foliage; water if the soil is dry to support fresh growth. Watch for leaf miners, aphids and powdery mildew. [RHS cultivar profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/187232/aquilegia-swan-yellow/details) · [PanAmerican Seed Swan F1 guide](https://www.panamseed.com/PdfAssets/pdfpage.aspx?pdfid=15) · [RHS growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/aquilegia/growing-guide) · [NC State Extension hybrid columbine profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aquilegia-x-hybrida/)