Aquilegia
Columbine
This genus deserves its lofty names, which mean “eagle” and “dove,” because its intricate flowers have been said to resemble birds in flight. Beyond the symbolism of the flowers, the finely textured, widely varied species possess a gracefulness that is likely to carry you to heights of enjoyment. Whether trim dwarfs or fancy long-spurred varieties, Columbines are characterized by fern-like 3-lobed leaves. They are best suited for naturalizing in a woodland with dappled light, however the smaller species will thrive in a partially shaded garden bed.
Bathed in brilliant golden yellow hues, fragrant extra large blossoms, some reaching over 3 in. across, achieve an elegant grace note as long tapered recurving spurs stream from behind. Promising a repeat bloom with attentive deadheading, the blithe open flowers are borne on well-branched stems above a compact ferny mound of lobed bluish green leaves. The native species, Aquilegia chrysantha, wanders throughout the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, while this robust Plant Select introduction brings an illuminated show to woodland gardens, the rockery and even a cut bouquet.
Blooms April–May
Size: 2-1/2' high x 15" wide.
Zone 3/4.
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Other selections in this genus:
- Aquilegia atrata
- Aquilegia buergeriana ‘Calimero’
- Aquilegia canadensis ‘Corbett’
- Aquilegia canadensis ‘Pink Lanterns’
- Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’
- Aquilegia flabellata ‘Blue Angel’
- Aquilegia flabellata ‘White Angel’
- Aquilegia ‘Heavenly Blue’
- Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Heidi’
- Aquilegia ‘Kristall’
- Aquilegia olympica
- Aquilegia oxysepala
- Aquilegia rockii
- Aquilegia sibirica
- Aquilegia viridiflora
- Aquilegia vulgaris plena ‘Ruby Port’
- Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Blue Barlow’
- Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata ‘Green Apples’
- Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Leprechaun Gold’
- Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Mellow Yellow’
- Aquilegia vulgaris ‘William Guiness’
- Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Woodside Gold’
