Aquilegia Columbine Blue

The original. The one that has been grown in British gardens for four centuries and against which all others are still measured. Columbine Blue is the classical spurred Granny’s Bonnet — pure white flowers with powder-blue spurs, dancing on graceful stems above pretty light-green divided foliage.

Its common name ‘Columbine’ comes from the Latin columba, meaning dove — because the five spurs arranged in a circle were said to resemble doves drinking together. A piece of living garden history, and still one of the most beautiful things you can grow in a shaded border.

• Aquilegia vulgaris 'Columbine Blue' — Hardy Perennial
• Height: 60–90cm | Flowers: May–June
• Partial shade to full sun; humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Self-seeds freely — naturalises beautifully over time
• Excellent for cutting and woodland borders

Grow it with Nora Barlow and Barlow Mixed for an aquilegia border that spans four centuries of English garden history.