Plant profile – columbine

If your garden needs a little old-school flair, Granny’s Bonnet is ready to tip its cap. With its bonnet-shaped blooms and delicate foliage, Aquilegia canadensis brings a vintage touch to spring borders—like something your grandmother might have grown, but with enough charm to win over modern gardeners.

Native to eastern North America and well-suited to Canadian climates, this perennial thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. Its red-and-yellow flowers dangle from slender stems, each one shaped like a tiny cap with backward-pointing spurs. These spurs are filled with nectar, making columbine a magnet for hummingbirds and some bees.

Despite its dainty appearance, columbine is surprisingly tough. It tolerates rocky soil, light drought, and even a bit of neglect. It’s short-lived, but self-seeds generously—so once it’s in your garden, it tends to stick around, popping up in new places each spring like a pleasant surprise.

Height: 60–90cm (2–3ft) tall
Spread: 30–60cm (1–2ft) wide. Upright and open in habit.
Flowers: typically in late spring to early summer, with its blooming period lasting around 4-6 weeks. In most Canadian climates, you can expect the show to begin in May or early June, depending on your region and the weather that year.
Hardiness: Partial shade to full sun (especially in cooler zones). Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil. Hardy in Zones 3–8.

Planting & care

Sow seeds on the surface—they need light to germinate—and give them a cold, moist period for best results. Water during dry spells, especially in the first year. Deadhead to prolong blooming or let seed heads mature for natural reseeding.

Seasonal tips

While it looks dainty, columbine is no shrinking violet — it self-seeds, shrugs off spring frosts, and adapts gracefully to woodland gardens, shady borders, and cottage-style schemes. Plus, it’s a wonderful bridge between spring bulbs and summer perennials.

Cut back spent foliage in midsummer to encourage fresh growth. Mulch lightly in autumn. Divide every few years if clumps become crowded.

Design ideas

Aquilegia is perfect for woodland edges, cottage-style borders, and shady rockeries. Pairs well with bleeding hearts, wild geraniums, and hostas. Adds a soft, nostalgic note to native plantings and informal schemes.

Final word

Granny’s Bonnet may look like a blast from the past, but it’s right at home in today’s garden. Easy to grow, generous with its seeds, and beloved by pollinators—it’s a spring classic that never goes out of style.