Description
Aquilegia vulgaris var. vervaeneana | Common Columbine ‘Woodside Gold’
Common Columbine, also known as Granny’s Bonnet, European Crowfoot, European columbine, and Grannys Nightcap, is an all time favorite perennial flower that can be found growing in woodlands, meadows and cottage gardens.
‘Woodside Gold’ is considered to be part of the Vervaeneana Group (Woodside Group), which is a special group of columbines that all possess leaves that are mottled or splashed with yellow, or are entirely golden, like ‘Woodside Gold’s foliage.
‘Woodside Gold’ Columbine is a unique and rare variety that could be grown for the foliage alone. The golden-colored, Meadow Rue-type leaves are most vibrant in early spring, and will darken to a soft green in the heat of summer. Given shade, brighter tones will persist, which contrast beautifully with the bright purple-blue nodding, spurred flowers.
Columbine species are hardy, drought tolerant, and easy to grow from seed. Tolerates full sun, but does better with some shade where brighter tones will persist. Ideal for a landscape that receives full sun in early spring and dappled shade in summer. Some Columbines go dormant in summer and resume growth again in autumn. The plants will typically bloom during the second year of growth from late spring to early summer. Plants will grow in a wide range of soil types, including gravel. Tough as nails. Will self sow in soil, gravel, or under decks, etc.
Attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees.
Seed germination typically takes 2-4 weeks time, sometimes longer. Percentages may improve with cold-stratification before sowing indoors, however it’s not required. Or one can direct-sow outdoors in autumn or late winter/spring.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Part shade to full sun
Mature height: 24-30 inches
Mature width: 18 inches
Hardiness zones: 3- 9