Aquilegia McKana Giant

(Aquilegia vulgaris)

Sweet Columbine or Granny's Bonnet, as it is popularly known, is a splendid early flowering border plant. A 'must' in a cottage garden, it is an excellent cut flower. A hardy perennial, flowers year after year in sun or partial shade.

When to plant: Autumn and Spring in cool climates.
How to grow: Plant seeds 5mm (quarter-inch) deep in seed box or punnet and transplant when 5-7cm (2-3in) tall, 30-40cm (12-16in) apart. Water regularly in dry weather and use a mulch of grass clippings or compost around each plant. Feed with soluble fertiliser as buds start to form.
Flowering: Early Spring.