GrowJoy
McKana Hybrids Aquilegia Plant
Best perennial for gardeners wanting to attract pollinators to shaded borders.
The McKana Hybrids Aquilegia, commonly known as Columbine or Granny's Bonnet, is a striking perennial that brings vibrant color to the garden. This taller variety features large, nodding flowers in a mix of white, yellow, pink, and purple, blooming from spring into early summer. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Generally pest-resistant, it's a beautiful addition to borders and cottage gardens, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Plants are guaranteed to arrive healthy and ready to enhance your landscape.
$12.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1787
/ 3268
#1787 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Height
23
/ - feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, colorful floral displays
- Conservationists wanting to attract local pollinators
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance perennial beauty
Who should skip it
- Planners requiring long-lived, permanent garden fixtures
- Minimalists wanting to avoid frequent weeding and thinning
- Perfectionists prioritizing consistent, year-round foliage aesthetics
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
A reliable magnet for local butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the season.
Climate Versatility
Broad hardiness range makes it adaptable to diverse regional growing conditions.
Pest Resilience
Naturally robust foliage reduces the need for constant chemical intervention.
Visual Impact
Large, nodding blooms provide a vibrant, multi-colored focal point for borders.
Maintenance Ease
Requires well-drained soil but rewards gardeners with minimal ongoing upkeep.
Pet Safety
Non-toxic profile ensures peace of mind for households with curious pets.
Key Specs
Height
2-3 feet
Hardiness Zone
3-9
Exposure
Part Shade
Bloom Time
March-May
Ideal soil pH
6.0-7.0
Pet Safety
Non-toxic
Deer Resistance
Medium
Features
- Taller selection with large flowers in a mix of colors
- Blooms in white, yellow, pink, and purple
- Performs best in rich soil with excellent drainage
- Suitable for the middle of the border
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Generally pest-resistant
- Can tolerate full sun in cooler climates
- Features delicate, nodding flowers with spurred petals in various colors
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the McKana Hybrids Aquilegia plants received from GrowJoy. Many reviewers highlight the robust and healthy condition of the plants upon delivery, noting their careful packaging. This initial quality translates into successful growth and vibrant blooms, exceeding expectations for garden beauty. The value for money is frequently mentioned, with buyers feeling satisfied by the strong, thriving plants that quickly establish themselves, making them a worthwhile addition to any garden.
Know before you buy
McKana Hybrids are vigorous growers, but they typically focus on establishing their root systems during the first season. You can expect the most prolific blooming display starting in their second year.
While they prefer partial shade, they can handle full sun if you live in a cooler climate. In hotter regions, however, they will perform best with protection from the intense afternoon heat to prevent wilting.
Yes, McKana Hybrids are considered non-toxic, making them a safe choice for gardens frequented by cats and dogs.
Columbines require rich, well-draining soil to thrive. If your garden has heavy clay, mix in organic matter like compost to improve drainage and ensure the soil pH stays within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range.
These plants have medium deer resistance. While they aren't a primary target, hungry deer may still sample them, so you may want to use a repellent if deer pressure is high in your area.
Because they reach heights of 2 to 3 feet, they are best suited for the middle of a border. Their nodding flowers and spurred petals add a delicate, airy texture that pairs well with lower-growing perennials.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$13