Crimson Star Columbine (Aquilegia x caerulea) Also known as ‘Granny’s Bonnet’ this all time favourite was released in the 1930’s and won several awards at the time. It is a selection from the Aquilegia ‘McKana Columbine Giants’. Crimson Star is a hardy, herbaceous, short-lived perennial that’s easy to grow from seed and will tolerate a wide range of soil and sunlight situations. The plants are early blooming and tend to flower more profusely with 2-3 hours of partial shade in their day. This is a short-lived perennial and perhaps best considered a biennial in most hardiness zones under 6b. The petals of Columbine flowers are spurred, which is the unique characteristic of the species. ‘Crimson Star’ Columbine has showy crimson red flowers pronounced by a bright white corolla and golden stamens. Hummingbirds will seek these flowers out when they arrive in the late spring. A wonderful flower for cuttings and is deer resistant.
30 seeds per packet $4.45
Planting Instructions: Requires cold stratification before seeding. (4-5 weeks of refrigeration.) Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Broadcast seed on top of soil and lightly cover with dome or plastic film until emergence. Seeds can be sown outdoors in the late fall to satisfy cold period required for spring germination.
