CHOCOLATE SOLDIER COLUMBINE SEEDS

Aquilegia viridiflora

Unique diminutive columbine with fragrant nodding “chocolate" and light green bicolor flowers. Foliage is semi-glaucous and finely cut. Blooms in spring. Foliage often persists and provides lovely contrast and texture to a patch of Golden Alexandria strawberries and Hose-in-Hose Cowslips.

Columbines appreciate good soil in part sun or bright shade, though my Chocolate Soldiers have survived dry gritty soil in hot full sun. Hardy to zone 2. Moderately deer-resistant. Fawns frequently nibble these leaves but not to a devastating degree.

Start indoors at least 10 weeks before setting out. Fresh seed germinates best at cool room temperature after a few weeks of cold stratification. Aged seed germinates easily at around 70°F. Avoid excessive heat. Will often self-sow where it is happy. Very long-lived. My favorite.

Packet contains 20 seeds.