What to do with this aquilegia?

[PurpleRobe]

I've had some amazing blooms from it and would love to keep it flowering longer.

I've been deadheading quite a lot but I just can't keep up.

Should i cut it down to the floor? If I do that will it reflower this year ?

Or do I need to keep deadheading ?

Also why do you think it's so bloody tall? It can't support it's own weight

They are early flowering, and won't flower all summer no matter how much you dead-head them. Once flowering has finished, remove the spent flower stalks and feed it, ready for next year.

If I were you I'd let at least some of the flowers set seed. They are easy to propagate so collect the ripe seed and scatter in other parts of the garden. Aquilegia are relatively short-lived, so that way you can grow your own replacements. It is good fun too, as they cross-pollinate and you get all sorts of unexpected colours.

I love aquilegia… 20 years ago I was passing someone’s house and commented on their lovely flowers. “Granny’s Bonnet, self seeding” they announced proudly, and promptly pulled up a bunch and handed it over.
I’ve had it in my garden ever since and have had some amazing variations. I don’t bother with it, and finding it growing all over the place.

Ah OK thanks so much. I'll wait a while longer then before chopping back/ removing the dead stalks.

I bought these 3 as plug plants in 2020 and now have about 14 of them :)

I love the pink and yellow one