{"product_id":"aquilegia-columbine-blue","title":"Aquilegia Columbine Blue","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquilegia vulgaris 'Columbine Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGranny's Bonnet 'Columbine Blue'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClassic 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWhile 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 \u003cem\u003ecolumba\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAquilegia 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor 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'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57888036323702,"sku":"AQU-BLU","price":2.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/3566\/5206\/files\/Aquilegia_Columbine_Blue_1.png?v=1779020123","url":"https:\/\/www.summerwoodenplanters.com\/products\/aquilegia-columbine-blue","provider":"Summer Wooden Planters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}