Aquilegia Columbine Blue

Aquilegia vulgaris 'Columbine Blue' Granny's Bonnet 'Columbine Blue'

Classic spurred Granny's Bonnet flowers in pure white with powder-blue spurs, dancing on graceful stems above pretty light-green divided foliage — this is the traditional cottage garden columbine that has been grown in British gardens for four centuries, and the variety against which all others are still measured.

While modern Barlow-series aquilegias have eliminated the spurs entirely in favour of double pom-pom blooms, 'Columbine Blue' is the classical, original form — the flower that gave Aquilegia its common name "Columbine," from the Latin columba meaning "dove," because the five spurs arranged in a circle were said to resemble doves drinking together. The two-toned petals (pure white with soft powder-blue spurs) have a delicate, nodding quality that is utterly characteristic of British cottage garden tradition. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised, hardy down to -20°C, and one of the most graceful spring perennials available from seed.

A note on growing

Aquilegia germination is famously erratic and slow — patience is essential. Sow from January to June or in September. Surface-sow as the seeds need light to germinate, and do not cover. Maintain 15–21°C. Germination typically takes 14–30 days but can sometimes take up to 90 days; do not give up early. A pre-sowing cold period (a week in the fridge) can improve germination rates by mimicking natural winter dormancy. Plant out in partial shade or sun, in moist but well-drained soil. Deadhead promptly to prevent self-seeding if you want to keep the variety pure — aquilegias cross-pollinate freely, and self-sown seedlings will produce mixed colours.

Where it shines

In dappled shade beneath deciduous trees, in cottage borders, and in any naturalistic woodland-edge planting. The classical spurred form is particularly elegant alongside other traditional cottage flowers — foxgloves, sweet rocket, geraniums and hardy ferns. As a cut flower it has good vase life and the nodding stems add real grace to spring arrangements.

Plant alongside

For a traditional cottage garden spring scheme, combine with Foxglove 'Excelsior Mixed' and Hesperis matronalis (Sweet Rocket). For a richer-toned woodland planting, pair with the dramatic black-and-white Aquilegia 'William Guinness' and the deep raspberry of Aquilegia 'Nora Barlow'.