Also known as granny's bonnet. This native British wildflower grows wild in limestone areas in woodland glades and open scrub, damp grassland and fen, and on scree slopes.
It is popular with bees and grows to 60cm tall and 45cm wide in full sun or partial shade and a moist but well-drained soil. The purple/blue flowers are produced from May to June. It flowers in the second year and we have done the first year of growing for you!
Colombine is a short-lived perennial that also gently self seeds so you will have plants year after year.
Columbine / Aquilegia vulgaris
Position: Flower border
Flowering months: May_/ Jun
Light: Full sun / Mix of sun and shade / Dappled shade
Soil: Loam / Sand
Tested in our local soil (t.i.o.l.s.): Yes (but avoid heavy clay)
Drainage: Moist but well-drained (never waterlogged)
Life cycle: Short-lived perennial (flowers for two-four years)
Hardiness: Fully hardy (in Bristol winters)
Over winter: Partially dies back (semi-evergreen)
Fully hardened off, one year old plants are supplied in 12oz pots in autumn and early spring.
All plants are delivered by bicycle within Bristol within five working days (unless otherwise stated). The standard delivery charge is £5 per order, or £2.50 for addresses in BS7. Free delivery for orders over £30.