Aquilegia Vulgaris is well-deserving of a place in anyone's
garden. This plant was around well before anyone even invented a
bonnet for their granny! It has been found featured in medieval
paintings and heraldic emblems and in the 15th century was

believed to be a top cure for ulcers and various nervous
disorders. However, those ancient healers may well have been run
out of town, since it is now known that every part of the
aquilegia is poisonous.

Aquilegia vulgaris, the common plant, is found growing naturally
in woodland areas, so it is ideal for naturalizing under trees or
amongst bushes where it will receive dappled shade. Here it will
self-seed quite happily and abundantly if the seed is not
smothered with too much mulch after it has dropped. It is great
for filling up those unsightly gaps that can develop in the
garden and the ferny foliage is most attractive even without the
happy little bonnets nodding in the breeze. The flowers can be
white through to deep purple and take a variety of forms; single,
double, starry or even rosiform.

The hybrids are even more beautiful with much larger flowers than
the common variety. Colors available in hybrids are yellow
(A.chrysantha), blue and white (A. flabellata), and even red
(A.canadensis). These even like full sun, though in really hot
climates they should be protected from the scorching rays of the
late afternoon sun.

The aquilegia will tolerate most garden soils and few pests
attack them, making them a worthy and hardy addition to any
garden. One thing they cannot stand is to have waterlogged roots
and if they must live in damp, deep shade with little air-flow,
they are likely to end up with fungal disease.

The abundant seed may be harvested when the pods begin to turn
pale yellow, a good indication of imminent opening. They can also
be divided at the roots by cutting in half or more with a sharp
knife. Simply dig the clump out and wash the soil off the roots
first. These beautiful larger granny's bonnets look stunning in a
massed display of one color or in a riot of mixed colors. McKenna
hybrids include pastel pinks, whites and blues.

Purchased seed should be sown in the autumn, but in cooler
climates can also be sown in the spring. Transplant the seedlings
when about 4 inches high and water regularly. When the buds start
to form, a liquid fertilizer can be applied. Aquilegia will last
for many years in cooler climates, but in warm climates are best
replanted every second year.

                                                                 See Nursery:  Perennials

How To Do: Container Gardening