PLEASE NOTE: Since plants are often sourced from the garden to order, sizes do vary a little, depending on how they come out of the ground, but I always endeavour to give a little more rather than less! They are sometimes shipped bare-rooted, but will approximate the size specified (e.g. a 9cm pot).

Aquilegia vulgaris Ex. 'William Guiness'
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Aquilegia 'Magpie', Columbine, Granny's Bonnet | ||||||||||||
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Known both as A. 'Magpie' and A. 'William Guinness', this striking variety has deep red-purple (almost black) sepals and spurs and white-edged 'blades' - the modified petals at the centre of the flower. | ||||||||||||
Sowing and/or growing instructions | ||||||||||||
Sow very shallowly Feb-June or Sept-Oct in pots or modules containing moist compost, covering with the barest sprinkling of compost or fine vermiculite. Keep in a sheltered position - a cold frame is ideal. Do not exclude light or provide warmth, as a period of cold is required for germination. If germination does not occur within 2 or 3 months, place the sown seeds in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for a few weeks. Plant out spring-sown seedlings when large enough to handle easily, trying not to disturb the root ball. It is a good idea to overwinter autumn-sown plants in a cold frame before planting out in spring. |