Aquilegia vulgaris

Columbine
Aquilegia vulgaris
Type: Perennial
Exposure: Full Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

Also known as European Columbine and Granny’s Bonnet, this perennial has naturalized across much of the Eastern US. It will form a plant 3 ft (90cm) high by about a foot (30cm) wide. Nodding blooms that range in color from deep purple through to white top the stems in late spring to early summer, and are available in single or double varieties. Flower stems should be cut back after the blooms fade to encourage a second flush of flowers.

A characteristic of columbines is the “spurs” which most varieties have; in fact the botanical name, which is derived from “Aquila” (Latin for eagle) refers to these spurs resembling an eagle’s talons. Some varieties feature very prominent spurs. Others, like this one, have small or non existent spurs. Spurs or not, be sure to shop around; the variety of colors, forms and cultivars of aquilegias seem nearly endless.

Cheers,

John