Aquilegia William Guinness

Aquilegia vulgaris 'William Guinness' Granny's Bonnet 'William Guinness' / 'Magpie' Columbine

Jet-black and pure-white bicoloured flowers on tall, airy stems — the most dramatic and unforgettable Granny's Bonnet you can grow, and a flower that quite literally stops cottage garden visitors in their tracks every May.

Sometimes called "Magpie" for its black-and-white bicolour pattern, 'William Guinness' is the aquilegia for gardeners who want classical spurred form combined with extraordinary visual drama. The deep purple-black petals are dramatically bordered with pure white, the nodding flowers held on tall, graceful stems above the same elegant ferny foliage that all aquilegias share. Hardy down to -20°C, RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised, and one of the most distinctive perennials available from any seed packet. The name commemorates William Guinness — though there is rather more myth than verified fact about who exactly he was; some accounts suggest a 19th-century Irish gardener, others a member of the brewing family. Either way, the variety has become a fixture of British cottage gardens and remains one of the most distinctive aquilegias in cultivation.

A note on growing

Aquilegia seeds need light and benefit from a cold period before sowing. Sow from January to June or in September. Surface-sow and do not cover — light is essential for germination. Maintain 15–21°C. Germination takes 14–30 days, occasionally up to 90; do not give up early. A week in the fridge before sowing improves germination. Plant out in partial shade or full sun, in moist but well-drained soil enriched with leaf mould. Like all aquilegias, this is a short-lived perennial (3–4 years) that self-seeds reliably; the dramatic black-and-white pattern often persists in self-sown seedlings, though crossing with other aquilegias can produce variations.

Where it shines

In any cottage border or woodland edge that wants a focal-point perennial — the black-and-white drama is so striking that even a single plant earns its place. As cut flowers, the long stems and graceful nodding habit make excellent additions to spring arrangements. Combines particularly well with white-flowered companions, where the black makes the white sing.

Plant alongside

For an all-aquilegia woodland scheme, plant with the soft raspberry of Aquilegia 'Nora Barlow' and the classical white-and-blue 'Columbine Blue'. For a traditional spring cottage planting, combine with Foxglove 'Excelsior Mixed' and Sweet Rocket 'Purple'. The dark drama of 'William Guinness' also works beautifully with Hesperis matronalis and pale-flowered geraniums.