Aquilegia caerulea 'Mrs. Scott Elliott' & 'McKana Giants': graceful columbines full of color and charm

Aquilegia caerulea, also known as Rocky Mountain buttercup or columbine, is one of the most beloved perennials for those who appreciate natural elegance and subtle color combinations. Two of the most popular cultivars within this species are 'Mrs. Scott Elliott' and 'McKana Giants'. Both varieties are known for their striking, long-spurred flowers in a palette of soft to vibrant hues, perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows.

Aquilegia caerulea 'Mrs. Scott Elliott': refined pastel colors and elegant shapes

Aquilegia caerulea 'Mrs. Scott Elliott' is a classic columbine. This perennial stands out for its graceful flowers with long, elegant spurs in a mix of soft pastel shades such as pink, white, pale yellow, and blue. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and reaches a height of approximately 60 to 80 centimeters.

The foliage is fine and fern-like, making the plant attractive even outside the flowering season. 'Mrs. Scott Elliott' is hardy, low-maintenance, and attracts a variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds thanks to its nectar-rich flowers. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil and prefers a spot in partial sun or light shade. Overwintering in soil that is too wet is more difficult, so an airy location is ideal.

This cultivar is perfect for cottage gardens and natural borders, where its soft colors combine beautifully with other perennials like campanula, digitalis, and geranium. The flowers are also excellent as cut flowers, ideal for bringing a touch of romance into your home.

Aquilegia caerulea 'McKana Giants': great in color and height

Anyone looking for a columbine with a bit more flair will definitely fall for Aquilegia caerulea 'McKana Giants'. This variety is known for its large, striking flowers in vibrant color combinations of red, yellow, purple, blue, and white. The flowers have the same graceful, long-spurred shape as 'Mrs. Scott Elliott', but are generally larger and more intensely colored.

'McKana Giants' also blooms in late spring to early summer and grows slightly taller – up to 90 centimeters. This makes it a beautiful plant for the middle or back of a border, where it complements other spring flowers with its airy, elegant appearance.

Like other Aquilegias, this cultivar is also hardy and perennial, attracting numerous pollinators. It grows best in well-drained soil, preferably slightly moist but not too wet, and prefers a spot with partial sun. A location that is too warm or dry can limit flowering, so light shade is ideal.

Care and maintenance

Both cultivars are easy-to-care-for perennials. Remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period and prevent spontaneous seeding. Those who prefer a more natural spread can leave the seed pods; the plants self-seed readily without becoming overly aggressive.

Every few years, it can be helpful to divide or rejuvenate the clumps to maintain compact growth. Add some compost or organic fertilizer in spring for abundant flowering.

Perfect combinations in the garden

Aquilegia caerulea 'Mrs. Scott Elliott' and 'McKana Giants' combine beautifully with other flowering perennials such as Salvia nemorosa, Delphinium, Campanula persicifolia, and Alchemilla mollis. These combinations create a colorful, dynamic border with a variety of heights, textures, and fragrances.

Both varieties bring a romantic, natural ambiance to the garden and are ideal for those looking for butterfly-friendly, low-maintenance planting. Whether planted individually or in groups, they are guaranteed to bring life and color to any garden.

Summary

Aquilegia caerulea 'Mrs. Scott Elliott' and 'McKana Giants' are two exceptional varieties of Rocky Mountain buttercup. They combine graceful flower shapes, rich colors, and natural elegance with easy care and a high pollinator appeal. Perfect for cottage gardens, borders, and natural gardens, they are a wonderful choice for gardeners who appreciate a mix of romance, color, and biodiversity.

m in a vase — 'McKana Giants' always adds a touch of mountainous splendor and poetic beauty to the garden.