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Mark Kane
Ranunculaceae
AQUILEGIA vulgaris
Common Columbine
Columbine is among the most beloved woodland perennials, cultivated for centuries in cottage gardens. This species is a native of Europe fondly called granny’s bonnet. The foliage bears three part lobed leaves of soft blue-green that are more densely held at the base of the plant. The leaves bear a striking similarity in shape and texture to those of the maidenhair fern. Columbine is a vigorous early season performer but the delicate foliage can suffer in the late season, so it is often paired with other summer and fall bloomers.
The flowers of this plant naturally vary in color depending on their place of origin. They can be found in bold hues of red, blue, pink and yellow with white or yellow centers. Each are produced in bunches on fine branching wands that rise above the foliage. The blossom bears long hooked spurs. Dead-heading may extend its late spring to early summer season. Grow this columbine in full sun in the north or at higher elevations, but they require partial to full shade further south. Provide fertile well-drained soil that’s evenly moist. Though technically a perennial, columbines can be short-lived, but they compensate by self-sowing. Seedlings of species will show some variation and specific varieties will not come true by this seed. The deer resistance of these perennials make them a lifesaver in woodland gardens and mountain communities. However, they are sufficiently elegant to fit into highbrow beds and borders too.
8 - 1
3 - 8
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
12"-36" / 30.5cm - 91.4cm
18"-18" / 45.7cm - 45.7cm
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
Europe
Neutral
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Medium
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer
Showy
White, Red, Purple, Pink, Rose, Blue Violet, Ivory, Black
Green, Brown
Blue Green
Blue Green, Yellow Green
No
Single
Matte
Alpine, Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Wildflower
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Yes
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