Columbine, or Aquilegia, is an intriguing member of the Ranunculaceae family with exquisite petals that give it an ephemeral quality, like a briefly glimpsed hummingbird.
It is an herbaceous perennial that blooms from spring to summer in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
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In this article, you will learn how to grow and care for columbine.
What Are Columbine Flowers?Sometimes called Granny’s bonnet or crowfoot, Aquilegia is native to the northeast regions of the United States and Canada.
In addition to these native species, there are introduced species from Europe that are also available to the home gardener, as well as sought-after hybrids that have been cultivated to offer enhancements such as a varied color palette, exceptional hardiness, and impressive heights.
Flowers offer a host of colors, including orange, pink, purple, red, white, yellow, and even green, with contrasting or matching centers. Sizes range from a petite six inches to almost three feet tall.
Often two-toned, the flowers perch atop delicate stems that rise from a cushion of fern-like foliage. Slender nectar-filled spurs attract bumblebees and hummingbirds.
In cool regions, Aquilegia grows well in full sun, however in warmer areas, it benefits from partial to full shade. Average to moist well-drained soil is best for this drought tolerant plant.
A. canadensis, also known as Eastern or wild red columbine, is a native plant commonly found in the cool shade of woodland regions.
Its characteristic downward-facing pendant blossoms of red or pink with yellow centers are well known to mountain hikers.
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