Aquilegia – Columbine – Granny’s Bonnet

Aquilegia, commonly referred to as Columbine or Granny’s Bonnet, is a quintessential element of any cottage garden, woodland garden, or border display. Its medium height and striking appearance allow it to harmonise beautifully with neighbouring plants. With a stunning variety of colours and unique forms, it captures the eye and offers endless pleasure to those who take the time to observe its intricate beauty. This plant not only enhances garden aesthetics but also plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by attracting a diverse range of pollinators.

Granny’s Bonnet: A Colorful Addition to Your Garden

Known for its unique flower heads, this plant gets its common names, Columbine and Granny’s Bonnet, from the distinctive shape reminiscent of a dove’s head or a traditional bonnet. The name Columbine comes from the Latin word columba, meaning ‘dove,’ while Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word aquila, meaning ‘eagle,’ reflecting the spurred petals that resemble talons. These striking flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an interesting diversion from the big bold blooms.

This fascinating genus within the family Ranunculaceae includes Buttercups. It is easy to see the similarities, but the intricate forms of this flower provide a much more interesting specimen. There are about 130 different species that explore different colours and nuances of petal shape, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. From the delicate blue and white varieties to vibrant reds and yellows, the options are nearly endless.

Modern hybrids are particularly captivating, often featuring two layers of petals in contrasting colours, creating a visually stunning effect. The spurred petals that extend behind the flower head add to the unique aesthetic of the plant, making it a favourite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. The colour palette is extensive, including shades of purple, red, pink, white, yellow, and blue. This diversity allows for creative combinations in garden designs where they will complement similar plants.

Rank

Genus

Names
Scientific name:	Aquilegia
Common Names:	Columbine, Granny’s Bonnet
Genus:	Aquilegia
Family:	Ranunculaceae
Related Plants:	Buttercup, Clematis

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy
Soil pH:	acid, neutral, alkaline
Moisture:	moist, well drained

Native to various regions, especially the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, Granny’s Bonnet thrives in diverse climates and conditions. Its ability to self-seed makes it an excellent choice for wild gardens, as it promotes natural growth and attracts pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In favourable climates, the presence of this plant can significantly enhance the biodiversity of a garden, benefiting both the plants and the wildlife that depend on them.

The height of these plants can vary, ranging from 1 to 3 feet depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. Their slim profile allows them to occupy minimal ground space, making them ideal for borders or mixed plantings. While they prefer a little shade from intense sunlight, they can tolerate full sun in cooler regions. A temperate climate with adequate moisture is essential for optimal growth, as they thrive in well-drained soil that is neither too wet nor too dry.

Another important aspect to consider is the companion planting of this species. It pairs well with a variety of other flowers and greenery, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the garden. For example, planting alongside Foxgloves and Delphiniums can create a beautiful layered effect, with each plant contributing its unique shapes and colours. Moreover, these companion plants often have similar care requirements, making garden maintenance more manageable.

In conclusion, this remarkable plant offers not only beauty but also ecological benefits. By understanding its unique characteristics and care requirements, gardeners can create stunning displays that contribute to the health of their local environments. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced horticulturist, incorporating this species into your garden can lead to a more vibrant, diverse, and sustainable landscape.

Crinodendron – Lantern Tree of Chile

Crinodendron is a genus of evergreen shrub or small tree native to the forests of Chile. They have crimson or pink lantern-shaped flowers that, unusually, hang under the branches. These are partly hardy plants that will tolerate a minor frost but do best in part shade in well-drained, humus-rich acid soil.

Rank

Genus

Names
Scientific name:	Crinodendron
Common Names:	Lantern Tree
Genus:	Crinodendron
Family:	Elaeocarpaceae
Related Plants:	Elaeocarpus

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade
Soil Type:	loamy, peaty
Soil pH:	acid
Moisture:	moist, well drained

Hyacinthoides non-scripta – Common Bluebell

The Common Bluebell, scientifically known as the Hyacithoides non-scripta, is to be found flowering in the woodlands of Western Europe and the British Isles. This bulbous perennial flowers, en masse, during April and May and produces a spectacle that has inspired and challenged artist for generations.

Plant Family – Part of the Asparagaceae family or asparagus family that includes Asparagus, Camassia, Hosta, Hyacinth and Yucca.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to the areas of Western Europe near to the Atlantic Ocean.
Common Names – It is often called the Common Bluebell or Woodland Bluebell.
Flowers – The flowers are small and bell shaped in a single violet-blue colour. The flowers grow on one side of the stem producing a curved flower head, unlike the Bluebells more often found in gardens.
Foliage – The leaves spread radially at ground level leaving the stems to grow from up and flower.
Height and Spread – The bulbs lay dormant in the ground over winter and come back to life in the spring. The leaves spread about 12″ around the base and the steps come up between 12″ to 18″ inches high.
Position – These plants thrive in a shaded or partially shaded location with a well drained soil. This makes them ideal in a woodland garden, but also work in a wildflower meadow, cottage garden or herbaceous border.

Overall, these plants will thrive and multiply, once established and protected from damage. Walking over them can lead to permanent damage that they will struggle to recover from. Admire from a distance.

Blinkling Hall - Great Wood - Bluebells May 2025 -8

Rank

Species

Names
Scientific name:	Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Common Names:	Bluebell
Genus:	Hyacinthoides
Family:	A sparagaceae
Related Plants:	Asparagus, Camassia, Hosta, Hyacinth and Yucca

Growing Conditions
Position:	partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy, chalky, clay
Soil pH:	acid, neutral, alkaline
Moisture:	moist, well drained

Pieris Japonica – Andromeda

Pieris japonica is a hardy evergreen flowering shrub that has distinctive new red leaves early in the season. These new red leaves turn yellow then green as they mature. Certain cultivars can have very dark red leaves.

Plant Family – Part of the Ericaceae family or heath family, same as rhododendron, heathers, cranberry and blueberry, and my favourite bilberries.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to China, Taiwan and Japan, especially in the mountainous regions.
Common Names – It is often called the Andromeda.
Flowers – The flowers are small and bell shaped, similar to lily-of-the-valley. Colours ranging from reddish pink to white.
Foliage – The leaves usually start red when they first emerge, fading to yellow, light green and through to dark green as they mature. Being evergreen the leaves are glossy and leathery in form.
Height and Spread – Typically a slow growing shrub that can stay within 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, although they can develop into a more straggly, woody tree up to about 12 feet.
Position – These plants thrive in a shaded or partially shaded location with a well drained soil, acidic side. This makes them ideal in a woodland garden, or any moist, shaded and cool position. Too much sun or frost can scorch the leaves and turn them brown. They need regular water in dry conditions but don’t like soggy wet conditions.

Overall, in the right position they can be a trouble free, easy to maintain plant that gives a splendid splash of colour in the spring and maintain its foliage all year round. Just remember it is an acid loving plant and if you have neutral or alkaline soil it will require specific acidic feed to keep it going.

Rank

Species

Names
Scientific name:	Pieris japonica
Common Names:	Andromeda
Genus:	Pieris
Family:	Ericaceae
Related Plants:	Rhododendron, Heathers, Cranberry and Blueberry

Growing Conditions
Position:	partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy
Soil pH:	acid
Moisture:	moist, well drained

Calceolaria or Slipper Flower

Calceolaria are a genus flowering plant from the family, Calceolariaceae. Commonly called the Slipper Flower, Lady’s Purse and Slipperwort, due to unusual flowers that resemble slippers or purses and calceolaria being from the Latin for shoe. Currently, there are only 3 genera in its family, although others may soon follow as modern dna analysis is re-classifying plants into their families. There are over 388 species of Calceolaria and that covers a wide range of different plants

Natively, these plants are found mainly in the Andes Mountains but also anywhere from Southern Patagonia to Central Mexico. Many modern hybrids can be found to brighten up garden pots and hanging baskets.

Calceolaria Slipper flower acid yellow close up 1

Rank

Genus

Names
Scientific name:	Calceolaria
Common Names:	Slipper Flower, Lady’s Purse, Slipperwort
Genus:	Calceolaria
Family:	Calceolariaceae
Related Plants:	Porodittia, Jovellana

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade, sheltered
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH:	acid, neutral
Moisture:	moist

Calceolaria-Slipper-flower-acid-yellow-in-basket-planter.jpg

Armeria maritima – Sea Thrift

Armeria maritima is a hardy perennial plant that grows in clumps and flowers from spring to summer with shades of pink that are best seen en masse.

Plant Family – Part of the Plumbaginaceae family or leadwort family.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to the coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Common Names – It is often called Sea Thrift or Sea Pink. The word thrift evidently comes from an Old Norse word meaning to thrive. Very apt for this plant as it makes the very best of rather poor ground to produce a display that will lift the spirits.
Flowers – The flower heads are formed in a round cluster on top of a thin but sturdy stem. The small flowers are various shades of pink. They remain upright on the thin stems to maintain a fine display.
Foliage – The dark green, glossy needle-like leaves form a clump or carpet from which the flower stalks grow to form a canopy.
Height and Spread – These are a low growing, ground cover plant that grow to a height of up to 18 inches, mostly shorter than that. They tend to spread over time into a cluster and form a carpet that accentuates their beauty.
Position – These plants thrive in full sun location with a well drained soil, from acidic to alkaline. This makes them ideal for a rock garden, coastal gardens, but can also fit into any well-drained border or even a living roof.

Overall, a plant that will cope with poor conditions to produce a flowering display and survive year on year with little maintenance.

Rank

Species

Names
Scientific name:	Armeria maritima
Common Names:	Sea Thrift, Sea Pink
Genus:	Armeria
Family:	Plumbaginaceae
Related Plants:	Plumbago, Leadworts

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy, chalky, clay
Soil pH:	acid, neutral, alkaline
Moisture:	well drained

Helleborus Orientalis – Lenten Rose

Helleborus orientalis is a hardy perennial plant that will flower early in the growing season and provide some colour and interest In the garden border even when the spring temperatures are chilly.

Plant Family – Part of the Ranunculaceae family or Buttercups.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to Greece, Turkey and the Caucasus, especially in the mountainous regions.
Common Names – It is often called the Lenten rose due to it flowering throughout the calendar period known in ‘christian’ lands as Lent.
Flowers – The flowers are, as most Buttercups, a cup shape and are many shades of maroon, purple, pink, white and even a green tinge. They tend to droop and face the ground once fully bloomed.
Foliage – The dark green, glossy leaves grow in a rosette form around the main stem with the flower emanating from the centre. These leaves are palmate, dissected into long this fingers with sawtooth edges. The stems are thick and hardy. Once they have flowered the leaves will last throughout the winter, gradually turning brown and drying out. These can be pruned back to keep the plant looking fresh or just left to wither and decay, depending on the look you want produce.
Height and Spread – Typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches and can spread about 18 inches. These plants tends to spread over time into a cluster.
Position – These plants thrive in a shaded or partially shaded location with a well drained soil, more on the acidic side, but tolerant of alkaline. This makes them ideal in a woodland garden, or any moist, shaded and cool position. Too much sun or frost can scorch the leaves and turn them brown.

Overall, Hellebores are an ideal flowering plant that can be left to grow year on year, in the right conditions, and provide an interesting feature before many other garden flowers have emerged from winter.

Rank

Species

Names
Scientific name:	Helleborus Orientalis
Common Names:	Hellebore, Lenten rose
Genus:	Helleborus
Family:	Ranunculaceae
Related Plants:	Anemone, Aquilegia, Clematis, Delphinium, Helleborus, Ranunculus (Buttercup)