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June
2004
Aquilegia is a member of the Buttercup family (ranunculaceae).
Although the origin of the botanical name is doubtful, it
is thought to derive from the Latin "aquila", meaning
"eagle", as the flower spur is said to resemble an
eagle's claw. Columbine is most likely associated with another
Latin word "columba" - dove - with individual flowers
similar in shape to a group of five doves.
These
herbaceous perennials are a favorite flower for hummingbirds,
who must hover directly beneath the Columbine flower, aiming
their beaks straight upward to sample the nectar. Columbines
also make excellent additions to the rock garden, or as native
woodland plantings. They tend to cross-pollinate, hybridize,
and will self seed freely, in the process creating new strains
and colors. However, the formation of seeds will shorten the
productive lifespan of the plant, so it is best to remove all
spent flowers promptly. (Even with this precaution, Columbines
will begin to lose vitality after about 3-4 years, so they will
eventually need replacement.)
Columbines will thrive when grown in moist, rich, well drained
soil in light shade, though with proper watering they can tolerate
more sun. Shade is a must in hot desert climates. These one
to three foot high plants generally start to bloom in early
to mid-May. Remove spent flowers and blooms will often continue
through June. Aquilegia are relatively pest free, but are very
susceptible to leaf miners which create a lace doily effect
on the fan shaped leaflets. About all you can do is remove and
destroy the infected leaves.
Plants should be set out the garden in spring or late summer,
spaced about one to two feet apart with the crown of the plant
at soil level. Once established, feed them monthly with a soluble
all purpose fertilizer and keep them well watered during growing
season.
'Dorothy Rose' is an outstanding, totally unique Columbine only
recently introduced to the public. The unusual characteristic
of having several rich, light rose-pink flowers flowers set
inside one another makes for a very distinctive display. Blooms
in spring and grows to 24-30 inches.
Well, not in my yard it didn't.
But I did have some other unknown Columbines spring up. If I can ID them next
year, I'll give them mention.
"Swallowtail"emerged
from seeds gotten from a colony of these plants in a remote,
isolated mountain range in Pima Co., AZ and seeing this
plant in full flower is a sight you won’t forget soon
either. The huge yellow and lemon-yellow bicolor flowers,
with their 4" long trailing "spurs" aresimply
spectacular! The plant is a big, vigorous grower with large
blue-green leaves and long sturdy 3’ stems that support
the huge flowers. My plant is huge and every year so far
has produced a great show of flowers!
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