Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
AQUILEGIA buergeriana
Plant Common Name
Columbine
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Naturally small from the start, perennial columbine offers great flowers and the vigor of a wild plant for adding charm to protected beds and borders. It is native to woodlands of Japan and is little cultivated as a species in the west. The foliage bears three part lobed leaves of lush green that resemble that of maidenhair fern in shape and texture. They are more densely held at the base of the plant, feathering out as they rise to flower. While plants are attractive during the bloom season, the leaves can suffer from dryness and die back in the late season.
The tri-colored flowers feature inner yellow petals, an outer ring of white and rosy red spurs which are inwardly curved. Each are produced as individuals or small bunches on fine branching wands that rise above the foliage. Dead-heading may extend its late spring to early summer season.
Grow this columbine in partial shade, and protect from direct afternoon sun. Soul should be fertile and well-drained, yet kept evenly moist. In hot climates, increase soil moisture accordingly to avoid crisping the leaf edges. Though perennial, this like many other columbines can be a short-lived plant that compensates by self-sowing, although seedlings are likely to vary considerably from the parent. These deer resistant plants are terrific for cottage or open woodland gardens and mixed flower borders.
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
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm
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Width
8"-10" / 20.3cm - 25.4cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin, North America, Europe, Asia
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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Fruit Color
Tan
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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, Yellow 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
Medium
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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
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
