| If you have never grown Columbines before, this is the variety to begin with — easy, beautiful, and often willing to self-sow in your garden for bigger and better displays every year! 'Winky Purple and White' is a short-spurred A. vulgaris variety that holds its brilliant blooms facing outward instead of hanging down, for a colorful display in garden or vase. 'Winky Purple and White' blooms heavily in spring, before most other perennials have even completely leafed out, let alone set buds. It thrives in full sun in the north, but appreciates a bit of afternoon shade in hotter climates. The foliage is fern-like and attractive long past bloomtime, setting its flowers on tall, slender stalks high above the leaves. It reaches up to 2 feet tall and not quite as wide. 'Winky Purple and White' often reblooms if the first flowers are cut or deadheaded promptly. Then, if the final blooms are allowed to go to seed on the plant, it may self-sow, bringing you new (free!) plants in seasons to come. Butterflies and hummingbirds adore this plant, which is happy in any soil except very heavy, poorly drained ones. Enjoy the beauty of this early-blooming perennial in your garden for years to come with 'Winky Purple and White'! Zones 3-8. |
