
Aquilegia
Columbine
This genus deserves its lofty names, which mean âeagleâ and âdove,â 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.

For its early blooming, uniquely hued flowers plus fine-cut appearance, this sweetly perfumed 1902 heirloom was recently nominated Plant of the Month by the North American Rock Garden Society. The compact cold-hardy mound of biternate blue-green foliage supports nodding clustered flowers with zingy chartreuse anthers, plum-flushed pale green sepals and purplish cocoa-colored petals topped by short straight spurs. Native to eastern Siberia, Japan and western China, Aquilegia viridiflora sprouts violet-tinged new growth, entrances the pollinators plus lends a dainty softness to rockeries and cottage gardens.
Blooms AprilâJune
Size: 16" â 20" high x 12" wide.
Hardy to zone 3.
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Other selections in this genus:
- Aquilegia atrata
- Aquilegia buergeriana âCalimeroâ
- Aquilegia canadensis âCorbettâ
- Aquilegia canadensis âPink Lanternsâ
- Aquilegia chrysantha âDenver Goldâ
- Aquilegia chrysantha âYellow Queenâ
- Aquilegia flabellata âBlue Angelâ
- Aquilegia flabellata âWhite Angelâ
- Aquilegia âHeavenly Blueâ
- Aquilegia vulgaris âHeidiâ
- Aquilegia âKristallâ
- Aquilegia olympica
- Aquilegia oxysepala
- Aquilegia rockii
- Aquilegia sibirica
- Aquilegia vulgaris plena âRuby Portâ
- Aquilegia vulgaris âBlue Barlowâ
- Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata âGreen Applesâ
- Aquilegia vulgaris âLeprechaun Goldâ
- Aquilegia vulgaris âMellow Yellowâ
- Aquilegia vulgaris âWilliam Guinessâ
- Aquilegia vulgaris âWoodside Goldâ