Perennial Aquilegia vulgaris is a Columbine species native to Europe. It is noted for having shorter incurved spurs. Columbines are affectionately called Granny's Bonnets. These long-lived, Spring-blooming garden gems flower in every color of the rainbow, though true-blue is very rare. The flowers are usually two tones but single colors are frequently seen. Flower form may be single, double, or have multiple petals. Heights vary between eight and twenty-four inches, some may bloom higher. The pretty blue-green leaves can be marred by leaf-minors, over-feeding can produce juicy flower stems that attract black aphids. Columbines tolerate a wide range of soils and bloom well in full sun to part shade. Poor drainage in Winter can be fatal. They often will colonize when in naturalized settings, offspring may vary but all are lovely. Increase by division can be difficult but they are easy from seed.
