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Columbines appear as fiery streaks of color among green foliage. En masse, columbines look as if they are tethered in mid-flight with their dazzling flowers floating above leaves on erect stems. This perennial wildflower is native to most temperate areas of the world, from Europe, to the soaring peaks of the Himalayas, down to the deserts of the U.S. southwest.
The flowers come in hybrid colors ranging from black to white, and include every color of the rainbow. They vary how they point their blossoms and the sizes and shapes of the tubular petals, called nectar spurs. Columbine forms include single and double flowers with or without long or short spurs.
Western natives include the Rocky Mountain columbine (Aquilegia caerulea), our state flower that grows at 11,000 feet, stands 12-36 inches tall with delicate lobed leaves, large spurred flowers of blue/purple and white and attracts hummingbirds. They grow alongside streams, under the shelter of ponderosa pine and in damp mountain meadows. Moisture, humus-rich soil and shelter from the wind provide the best conditions.
A red columbine (Aquilegia elegantula) grows on the Western Slope among spruce-fir forests with nectaries housed in long spurs perfect for hummingbird tongues. The Golden columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) also grows at 11,000 feet, is 25-36 inches tall, very hardy with lobed leaves, many spurred flowers and grows in clay or organic soils.
Alpine versions of columbines (Aquilegia saximontana) survive under harsh conditions along with a sub-alpine dwarf form. Columbines adapt to changes in altitude and pollinators, but do not change moisture needs. In gardens along the Front Range, columbines adapt to rock gardens, shady groves and hillsides.
Columbines are easy to grow and can grow in shade or light shade and sun, but all prefer moist, well-drained soil. They bloom in early to mid-May and continue through June. Removing flowers as they fade prolongs the bloom.
Although classified as perennials, columbines are short-lived from two to four years. Once columbines grow and bloom in a garden, they will remain because they self-seed reliably and will cross-pollinate readily. If gardeners want only one kind of columbine and wish to keep a pure line, grow the species in isolation from other columbines.
If powdery mildew infects foliage, cutting it back may initiate a new flush of foliage. Aphids may be controlled in the spring and early summer by spraying plants with a soap solution or a strong jet of water.
Fall is a good time to set out columbine plants from containers, as they can get established and produce a good show of blooms next spring. Many of the columbines found in nurseries are large-flowered hybrids. If a certain flower color or form is desired, buy only species or named varieties.
Columbines range in size from five inches tall to three feet tall. 'Red Hobbit', 'Danish Dwarf' and the Biedemeir group are small, but mighty columbines, that tuck in to tiny spaces and hardy to Zone 4. Dainty blossoms suitable for small spaces include 'Little Lanterns' (A. canadensis) and 36 inches tall 'Sunlight White' (A. vulgaris stellata), which has upward-facing double white flowers that are great for Zone 3.
Shining, bold and beautiful clusters of 'Goldfinch', 'Swallowtail' and 'McKana Giants' make a statement with 3 inch blooms. Layers of pleated petals include "Pretty Bonnets', 'Nora Barlow' (A. vulgaris), and 'William Guiness Doubles' (A. vulgaris) that are cold hardy to Zone 3.
Many columbines combine colorful foliage and bright flowers. 'Lime Frost' is lime-green-on-green variegation with blue, pink or white flowers. 'Roman Bronze' (A. xsemiaquelegia) provides solid gold foliage with deep-purple flowers.
This versatile perennial fits in just about anywhere with bursts of star-shaped color. Columbines add that splash of color where other flowers may not survive.
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