This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  In early summer, a mound of fern-like foliage is topped with fully double, spurless white flowers, which nod gracefully at the ends of the stiff, upright stems. A pretty aquilegia, that looks great in both cottage and woodland settings.
  
  
• Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant. Divided specimens may take some time to establish since they don’t like having their roots disturbed. Deadhead to prolong flowering.