Yoder Brothers
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
AQUILEGIA buergeriana 'Calimero'
Plant Common Name
Calimero Columbine, Columbine
General Description
The nodding, lantern-like flowers of Aquilegia buergeriana ‘Calimero’ feature an outer ring of plum-purple sepals with long, reflexed, inward-curving spurs, contrasted with inner petals of soft, creamy yellow. A selection of a low-growing, woodland species native to Japan, ‘Calimero’ was chosen for its more intense flower coloration. The dainty blooms appear on finely-branched, wiry stems above compact mounds of lacy, blue-green foliage from mid-spring through early summer.
Performing best in dappled sun to partial shade, Aquilegia buergeriana ‘Calimero’ appreciates evenly moist, nutrient-rich soil and good drainage. It will readily cross-pollinate with other columbine and self-sow if allowed to go to seed, which is considered an advantage by some gardeners. However, spent flowers should be removed promptly if new plants are not desired. An ideal choice for woodland plantings, mixed borders and rock gardens, its colorful blooms also make excellent cut flowers.
Aquilegia is a genus of about 70 species that exist across northern temperate zones worldwide. Commonly known as columbine, they are beloved for their fanciful, lantern-like flowers, which usually bloom in spring or summer atop slender stems of varying lengths. These hardy perennials typically form clumps of delicate, pale to deep green, lobed leaves which emerge from small, slender, woody rhizomes (underground lateral stems). Columbine species vary widely in size and habit, and may occur in open woodlands, meadows, or alpine areas. Their colorful blooms are attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and many species of butterflies and moths.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 10
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
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Width
8"-10" / 20.3cm - 25.4cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Japan
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Rose
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Flower Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
