Columbine

Genus: Aquilegia

Introduction to Columbine

Often noted for its richly colored petals that produce pointed spurs, the Aquilegia - or columbine - is a robust perennial. It is found growing wild in the temperate regions to the north such as Siberia and North America. The strongly fragrant Aquilegia produces a stunning flower that, in certain varieties, juxtaposes a lightly colored, soft-shaped blossom against bright, spear-like blades underneath. These varieties include the Songbird Robin, Harlequin and William Guiness. Other species, although monochromatic, can be equally striking in their pure white pink, magenta, deep red, purple, blue, violet, yellow and golden hues. Coming out as either dark green, gray-green or silver green, Aquilegia leaves tend to grow deeply divided. It has been suggested that the name Aquilegia comes from the Latin word "aquilinum," meaning "like an eagle." This is due to the talon like features of the spurs. Another hypothesis ties Aquilegia to the Latin for "water bearer" and would be attributable to the flower's capacity to store large amounts of nectar in its petals. The name columbine also has its origin in Latin. The word it comes from is columba which means "dove" or columbnus, which means "like a dove." Although the symbolism is dramatically different from that of the eagle, columbine were thus named because of how much the inverted flower resembled a clustering of doves. One of the more fascinating columbine is the Longspur (Aquilegia Longissima) which produces a spindly blossom whose spurs extend so as to faintly resemble a miniature sea squid. Similarly, Hinckley's Gold (Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana) produces long, slender spurs that trail the delicate golden flower. With a far different appearance from these varieties, however, the Fan variety (Aquilegia Flabellata) displays wide, cupped spurs that have hardly any points. In many cases, these come out in a rich violet color and provide a striking regal background to the creamy white blossom in the center. The Verna Alba variety of the Fan Columbine yields white blossoms that point downward in a drooping fashion to produce an aesthetically pleasing effect on the garden overall. Another amazing species is Crimson (Aquilegia Formosa). Its red spurs fold back in a taught position while the blossom thrusts its stamens forward in a dramatic and fiery display. Suspended from long, thin stems, these small flowers lead many to imagine hanging paper lamps as they walk through the home garden.

Features of Columbine

This fragrant genus is highly attractive to birds, bees and butterflies. In addition to this, many varieties of columbine are also resistant to being eaten by deer. Along with the beauty of their flowers, these features make columbine a highly desirable addition to any home garden. Fortunately, this wildflower is fairly easy to grow It is usually propagated by seeding either indoors or outdoors. It should be cautioned that certain species of columbine can produce seeds and other plant sections that are highly poisonous. Be sure to keep children and pets from ingesting any part of the plant.

Columbine Hardiness

As a wildflower that thrives in temperate climates to the north this perennial is extremely robust. While each species has its particular climate zone requirements the overall hardiness of this genus allows it to be grown in zones ranging from 2 to 9.

Growth Habit of Columbine

The tallest species in the Aquilegia genus reach a height of up to 36" while the smaller plants can be as short as 12". The spacing requirement for columbine ranges from 6" to 36".

Bloom Time of Columbine

Columbine bloom anywhere from mid spring to the early summer months. Cutting back is okay, but is usually done to promote a tidier appearance. That said, the foliage and even flowers of many columbine have been known to come back for a little while after being cut back in the summer.

How To Propagate Columbine

While columbine are able to be divided during the period of dormancy, a great way to propagate this genus is by reseeding. That's because this wildflower easily lends itself to seed production, allowing for easy collection once the seeds are completely dry. It is advisable to give this plant a bit of room from other plants in the garden because it spreads by self seeding. Gardeners will often have success when they plant in the spring or fall months. Columbines may also be propagated by careful division in the fall Seed sowing is the best method of propagating columbine. When sowing indoors it is often necessary to stratify the seeds and do so before the final frost of the season. When beginning germination outdoor do so in the middle of winter in a covered container, a greenhouse that is not heated or a cold frame.

Transplanting Columbine

Because germination is the preferred method of propagation for columbine, it is common practice to transplant the seedlings when the time is right during the spring months.

Soil for Columbine

Well-drained sandy soil is a must for the Aquilegia genus. It is necessary to enrich the soil with any of a variety of beneficial fertilizers such as leaf mold, manure, composts, etc. The required pH level in the soil can vary from 4.5 to 7.8, depending on the species.

Watering Columbine

Watering columbine is not the most intensive of tasks. Included in the list of plants that can actually save water, this genus can thrive on occasional irrigation. Aquilegia should be watered more frequently during the summer months.

Sunlight for Columbine

This genus generally does well in full sunlight or in dappled shade.

Care and Maintenance of Columbine

Columbines require good drainage; for heavy soils add pebbles or marbles. Plant 1 1/2; feet apart.

Pests of Columbine

There is a certain mining pest that eat away at the leaves. This causes no significant harm to the plant but leaving it looking shabby. Although the pest is hard to remove a gardener can chose to go with a species of columbine that is less susceptible miners. One more resistant variety is the Aquilegia Saximontana.

Diseases of Columbine

Columbine are susceptible to mildew. It is why it is important to make sure that the soil drains well to prevent wet feet.

References

Dictionary.com, American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language "Columbine"