Columbine: Wild (Aquilegia canadensis)
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$1.00 - $5.60
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The name “columbine” is derived from the Latin “columba,” or dove, since an upside down columbine bloom looks like a circle of doves around a fountain. The Latin genus name “Aquilegia” means “eagle,” a reference to the spikes on the back of the flower that resemble an eagle’s talons. These unique hollow spurs on the blossoms contain an abundance of nectar, though only hummingbirds and other long-tongued feeders such as the hawk moth can reach it. Ruby-throated hummingbirds especially love this plant. Its natural habitats are woodland areas, rocky slopes, or along streams. A native wildflower, columbine has thrived in both America and Europe since the 1600s; in medieval times, these flowers symbolized foolishness because of their resemblance to a court jester’s slippers. Native Americans used this plant medicinally to treat various complaints such as poison ivy rash, heart trouble, or fever; they also crushed the seeds to obtain a pleasing perfume.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit
Scientific Name: Aquilegia canadensis
Ease of Growing: Moderate.
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): Spring
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade.
Water: Medium.
Soil Moisture: Medium.
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinating Moths, as well as resisting deer and rabbits.
Containers?: Yes.
Height: 12-24”
Spacing: 12-15”
Sow Depth: On soil surface.
USDA Zone: 3a-8b
Produces: dark green, rounded leaflets and nodding 1” blooms with red sepals and pale yellow inner petals.
Ease of Growing: Moderate.
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): Spring
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade.
Water: Medium.
Soil Moisture: Medium.
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinating Moths, as well as resisting deer and rabbits.
Containers?: Yes.
Height: 12-24”
Spacing: 12-15”
Sow Depth: On soil surface.
USDA Zone: 3a-8b
Produces: dark green, rounded leaflets and nodding 1” blooms with red sepals and pale yellow inner petals.
Plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade; this flower appreciates being shielded from the midday sun. Direct sow in early fall, sowing the seed just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing after the last frost. The seed can also be started indoors, planted just below the surface of a flat and kept at a temperature of 60-65 degrees F until germination; keep the soil lightly moist. Space seedlings 12-15" apart.
Keep the seedlings watered and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate some dryness, but should be watered in the heat of summer. Hot and humid weather may cause the plant to wilt, since this plant prefers cool weather and can survive light frosts. Flowers planted from seed will bloom in their second year of growth. After blooming, the foliage will die off. Established plants can be divided, though they will self sow readily; volunteer plants can easily be transplanted. Deadhead the wilted blossoms if new plants are not wanted. Columbine attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees as well as resisting deer and rabbits. Its natural growth in rocky areas makes it a good choice for rock gardens.
Columbine makes a lovely cut flower. Choose blossoms that have just opened for the longest vase life. Keep in mind that this plant can be toxic and should not be ingested.
Keep in mind that this plant will cross pollinate easily with other varieties of columbine. Watch the maturing seed pods carefully, since they will open and expose their seed when fully ripe. Shake the open pods into a container to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to two years.
Companion planting is an excellent practice for any skill level of gardener. By using the natural substances contained within a plant’s roots your garden can both repel unwanted insects and attract those with useful traits. Companion planting can also be used to group flowers that prefer similar conditions.
Using companion plants as a border, backdrop, or interplanting in your garden beds will allow you to harness the ecosystem to its full potential. It is best to use plants native to your area so that the insects you seek to attract will know what to look for!
Phlox, a purplish-blue woodland flower, work well with columbines to form a shady border. Both types of flowers prefer light to moderate shade and bloom in the mid- to late spring. Another border option is the toad lily, which blooms just after the columbine wanes in spring, leading to a beautiful garden throughout the season.
A good vegetable companion to the columbine is rhubarb which, in addition to its nutritional qualities, deters the red spider mites which often prey on columbines. Rhubarb leaves can also form a natural deterrent to blackspot on roses when boiled.
Other light-shade lovings plants prove good companions to columbines. These include ferns, woodland flowers, Jeepers Creepers Tiarella, Chocolate Chip Ajuga and hostas. Cottage or prairie plants, such as False Indigo or Autumn Bluch Coreopsis, can be combined to create an informal feel while allowing varying soil conditions and light shade to yield blossoms.
Using companion plants as a border, backdrop, or interplanting in your garden beds will allow you to harness the ecosystem to its full potential. It is best to use plants native to your area so that the insects you seek to attract will know what to look for!
Phlox, a purplish-blue woodland flower, work well with columbines to form a shady border. Both types of flowers prefer light to moderate shade and bloom in the mid- to late spring. Another border option is the toad lily, which blooms just after the columbine wanes in spring, leading to a beautiful garden throughout the season.
A good vegetable companion to the columbine is rhubarb which, in addition to its nutritional qualities, deters the red spider mites which often prey on columbines. Rhubarb leaves can also form a natural deterrent to blackspot on roses when boiled.
Other light-shade lovings plants prove good companions to columbines. These include ferns, woodland flowers, Jeepers Creepers Tiarella, Chocolate Chip Ajuga and hostas. Cottage or prairie plants, such as False Indigo or Autumn Bluch Coreopsis, can be combined to create an informal feel while allowing varying soil conditions and light shade to yield blossoms.
Suggested Varieties
Rhubarb: Victoria (Heirloom) (Rheum x coltorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
This heirloom variety of rhubarb comes from horticultural expert Joseph Myatt of Manor Farm in Deptford, England. Mr. Myatt introduced Victoria rhubarb in 1837, to honor England's beloved queen; rhubarb immediately became an extremely popular dessert inspiration in the fashionable circles of Britain. The Victoria rhubarb strain, which soon made its way across the ocean, is also responsible for the American culinary tradition of rhubarb.