William Guiness Columbine Seeds — Aquilegia vulgaris
William Guiness Columbine Seeds — Aquilegia vulgaris
Dramatic Elegance for the Cottage Garden
The William Guiness Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris 'William Guiness') is a showstopper of the garden world. Its striking blooms feature deep, velvety purple-black petals contrasted with crisp white inner skirts — a combination so bold and theatrical it looks as though it was dressed for a formal occasion. Also known as 'Magpie', this heirloom variety brings sophisticated drama to borders and cottage beds, and looks utterly stunning when planted en masse or woven through lighter-coloured companions.
Why Gardeners Love It
- 🌸 Striking two-tone blooms — deep purple-black petals with brilliant white centres, a truly dramatic contrast
- 📏 Grows 60–90 cm tall — perfect for mid to back-of-border planting and cutting gardens
- ✂️ Excellent cut flower — long-stemmed and eye-catching in arrangements
- 🐝 Attracts bees and pollinators — a beautiful and beneficial addition to any NZ garden
- 🌱 Easy to grow from seed — self-seeds freely once established for years of repeat blooms
Growing Tips for New Zealand
Sow seeds in autumn or early spring into well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny to partially shaded position. Cold stratification greatly improves germination — autumn sowing allows natural winter chilling, or refrigerate seeds for 2–4 weeks before a spring sowing. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30–40 cm apart. William Guiness performs beautifully across NZ's cooler regions including Canterbury, Otago, and the central North Island. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering, or leave seed heads to self-sow for next season.
What's in the Packet
Each packet contains 15 seeds of William Guiness Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris 'William Guiness').