Description
Aquilegia vulgaris var. vervaeneana | Common Columbine ‘Woodside Variegata’
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 Variegata’, considered to be part of the Vervaeneana Group (Woodside Group), is a special group of columbines that all posses leaves that are mottled or splashed with yellow. Some are entirely golden whilst others are blotched and splashed like army camouflage.
The ‘Woodside Variegata’ is a unique and rare variety that could be grown for the foliage alone which has beautiful splashes of yellow and green on meadow rue-type foliage contrasted by various shades of pink, violet, blue and white nodding, spurred flowers. (We collected seeds from purple-blue and blush pink-white flowered plants).
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: 2-3 ft
Mature width: 18 inches
Hardiness zones: 3- 9