Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'
granny's bonnet
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May to June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Bright lemon yellow, upward-facing flowers with long spurs that flare out behind appear in early summer, and top clumps of ferny bluish-green foliage. The flowers of this aquilegia are good for cutting, are fragrant, and attract butterflies. This is a short-lived but easy-to-grow perennial that will self-seed freely. - Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant. Divided specimens may take some time to establish since they don't like having their roots disturbed. Deadhead to prolong flowering.