Utterly distinctive, these wide, double blooms dangle in great numbers from dark red stems in late spring and early summer, opening from large, striped triangular buds that are nearly as interesting as the finished flowers. Each long petal is spoon-shaped, hanging straight down and tightly packed, creating a scalloped edge for each bloom. Hose-in-hose style, this Columbine looks less like Granny's Bonnet than like her petticoats!
Even the stems get into the act on this cultivar, sporting deep red to burgundy tones that stand out nicely. Wiry but very strong, they top the blue-green foliage beautifully, and keep the flowers fresh for up to 2 weeks after cutting.
'Dorothy Rose' (the name is perfect for these blooms!) created a sensation when introduced at the 1999 Chelsea Flower Show, and no Aquilegia has come along since to upstage it. The plant reaches 24 to 30 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide when blooming, and begins its show of color a bit earlier than many other Aquilegias, catching the spring-blooming bulbs in their final show. It grows readily, untroubled by rabbits and other nibbling beasts, but attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. A good source of early-season color for the border, edging, meadow, or cottage garden setting. Zones 3-9.
