Description Aquilegia vulgaris | Common Columbine ‘Grandmothers Garden Mix’ Columbine, also known as Granny’s Bonnet, European Crowfoot, and Grannys Nightcap, is an all time favorite garden and wildflower that can be found growing in woodlands, meadows and cottage gardens. Columbines are hardy, herbaceous, short-lived perennials that are easy to grow from seed. They tolerate a large range of soil and sun types, but do best with some shade. The leaves are a bluish-green, repel water, and resemble that of Meadow Rue or Clover. Being biennials, Columbine bloom during the second year of growth from late spring to early summer. A key characteristic of most columbine flowers is that the petals are spurred. The ‘Grandmothers Garden Mix’ consists of various old-fashioned columbine varieties with large, nodding, short-spurred flowers of various colors including white, light-pink, dark-rose, and purple flowers that are held high above the foliage. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees are continuously drawn to the flowers. Columbines are cool-season perennials and are not too fond of hot and humid summers. Drought tolerant and tough as nails. Reseeds freely. Deer and rabbit resistant. Direct sow seed outdoors in autumn or late winter/early spring, or start indoors with heat, humidity, and light. They will germinate in approximately 2 weeks time. They don’t require cold-stratification, but sometimes it can help germination percentages. Seeds will gladly self sow in soil, gravel, under decks, etc. Type: Perennial Sun exposure: Part shade to full sun Mature height: 2-3 ft Mature width: 18 inches Hardiness zones: 3- 9
