Jesse Saylor
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
AQUILEGIA 'Red Star'( STAR SERIES)
Plant Common Name
Columbine, Red Star Columbine
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Columbine in the ‘Star Series’ put on a generous show of large, upfacing, long-spurred flowers held on branched, wiry stems in late spring to early summer. Appearing in a range of bright bicolors, the exquisite blooms are accented with sunny, yellow centers, and hover gracefully atop compact mounds of lacy, blue-green foliage.
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.
Aquilegia species cross easily, and often create natural hybrids, which is one reason why they have been so heavily hybridized. They are easy to grow and prefer dappled sun to partial shade. Although adaptable to a range of soils, woodland species prefer evenly moist, nutrient-rich soil with good drainage, while alpine species perform best in gritty, nutritious but sharply-drained conditions. Columbine readily self-sow, which is considered an advantage by some gardeners, however, plants should be deadheaded promptly if new plants are not desired. An ideal choice for woodland plantings, mixed beds and rock gardens, their bright blossoms also make excellent cut flowers.
