Columbine, Dwarf Garden – Aquilegia vulgaris

Description

Dwarf Garden Columbine

Dwarf Columbine, also known as Granny’s Bonnet, is a charming old-fashioned perennial with delicate, nodding flowers and distinctive hooked spurs. Native to Europe, this graceful wildflower produces blooms in a beautiful mix of colors, including white, pink, red, blue, and purple. Its whimsical flowers resemble the bonnets once worn by women in the 19th century, giving this garden favorite its memorable common name.

Growing 18 to 30 inches tall, Dwarf Columbine is well suited for borders, cottage gardens, woodland plantings, and rock gardens. The airy flowers rise above attractive foliage in late spring and early summer, bringing color and movement to partially shaded areas. In cooler climates, plants can tolerate full sun, but afternoon shade is appreciated in areas with hot summers.

The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, while the plants are generally deer-resistant. Columbine also readily self-seeds under favorable conditions, creating natural drifts of flowers over time. Because different columbine varieties can easily cross-pollinate, seedlings may produce unexpected and beautiful variations in flower color.

Quick Specs

• Origin: Introduced
• Type: Perennial
• Color: Blue, white
• Height: 18-30 inches
• Width/spread: 8-12 inches
• Sunlight: Partial shade
• Water: Medium moisture
• Bloom Season: Spring through summer
• Planting Time: Spring or fall
• Zones: 4a-8a
• Use: Edges, borders, meadows & cottage gardens, or in containers, etc.
• Attracts: Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds
• Packet weight: 50 mg
• Seeds per packet: Approximately 60 seeds