Eden Brothers
Columbine Seeds Nora Barlow
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly blooms.
Discover the enchanting Nora Barlow Columbine, a perennial favorite also known as Granny's Bonnet. This variety boasts unique, fully double, spurless flowers with layers of pink petals edged in white, resembling charming pompom shapes. Blooming from late spring through early summer, these flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies while deterring deer and rabbits. Historically significant and recognized with an RHS Award of Garden Merit, Nora Barlow thrives in various conditions, making it ideal for cut flower gardens, container planting, and naturalizing landscapes.
$6.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3177
/ 6090
#3177 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Seed Type
Open Pollinated Seed
/ Open Pollinated Seed
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unique, vintage-style floral textures
- Homeowners with varied sun and shade garden conditions
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting self-sustaining perennial displays
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unwilling to manage pest monitoring or foliage treatments
- Planners desiring a long-lasting, season-long floral display
- Minimalists wanting to avoid frequent weeding or garden maintenance
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
High-nectar blooms effectively draw hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden space.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, protecting your floral investment from grazing.
Hardiness Range
Versatile perennial thrives across a broad spectrum of USDA climate zones.
Visual Impact
Unique double-petaled pompom blooms offer a distinct, heirloom aesthetic.
Growth Adaptability
Tolerates poor soil conditions, making it forgiving for novice gardeners.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make these ideal for fresh arrangements.
Key Specs
Seed Type
Open Pollinated Seed
Plant Height
30 inches
Bloom Season
Spring through Summer
Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Planting Depth
1/4 inch
Plant Spacing
8 to 10 inches
Growth Habit
Clumping
Color
Pink, White
Features
- Unique double blooms in pink and white
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Resistant to deer and rabbits
- Long bloom time from spring to summer
- RHS Award of Garden Merit winner
- Suitable for cut flowers
- Tolerant of poor soil conditions
- Ideal for container gardens
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the Nora Barlow seeds, noting impressive germination rates even for this sometimes tricky perennial. The reliability is a major selling point; gardeners confirm the resulting double spurred blooms are true to the unique variety advertised, delivering vibrant color and vigorous growth exactly as expected. This dependable performance makes them a favorite for adding distinctive texture to shade gardens.
Know before you buy
Nora Barlow Columbine is quite resilient and tolerant of poor soil conditions, making it a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Simply sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in a spot with full sun.
Yes, this variety is known for being resistant to deer and rabbits. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, these are generally avoided by them compared to other garden favorites.
Absolutely. Nora Barlow is container-friendly and thrives in pots, provided you ensure the container has adequate drainage and receives enough sunlight.
You can expect blooms from late spring through early summer. As a perennial, it will return year after year, establishing itself as a reliable staple in your landscape.
These seeds are versatile and perform well in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. This wide range covers most climates in the United States, from cooler northern regions to warmer southern areas.
Yes, their unique, pompom-like double blooms make them an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. They add a charming, historical aesthetic to any indoor display.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.