Aquilegias

Botanical Name

:

Aquilegia spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Blooms in spring and early summer

Sun Level

:

4–6 hours of partial shade to full sun daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

65–70°F (13–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-draining, moist, and rich in organic matter. Preferably loamy soil.

Germination

:

21–30 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C); seeds may benefit from cold stratification

P.H. Level

:

6.0–7.0

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination. They are relatively drought-tolerant when they mature. Consistent moisture during blooming is important.

Fertilization

:

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Side-dress with compost or liquid fertilizer during the growing season

Habit

:

Upright, clump-forming, with delicate, lacy foliage

Final Plant Height

:

6–36 inches (15–90 cm)

Spread

:

12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Spacing

:

12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Flowers

:

Unique, bell-shaped flowers with spurred petals in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, white, or yellow. Blooms in late spring to early summer.

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Uses

:

Woodland gardens, cottage gardens, borders, rock gardens, and cut flowers.

Companions

:

Ferns, Hostas, Bleeding Hearts

Pruning

:

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain tidiness.

Toxicity

:

Generally considered mildly toxic. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.

Pests

:

Aphids, leaf miners, and caterpillars.

Diseases

:

Powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot (if conditions are too humid)

Fun Fact

:

Aquilegias also known as Columbines, symbolize wisdom, strength, and happiness in the language of flowers.

Botanical Name

:

Aquilegia spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Blooms in spring and early summer

Sun Level

:

4–6 hours of partial shade to full sun daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

65–70°F (13–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-draining, moist, and rich in organic matter. Preferably loamy soil.

Germination

:

21–30 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C); seeds may benefit from cold stratification

P.H. Level

:

6.0–7.0

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination. They are relatively drought-tolerant when they mature. Consistent moisture during blooming is important.

Fertilization

:

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Side-dress with compost or liquid fertilizer during the growing season

Habit

:

Upright, clump-forming, with delicate, lacy foliage

Final Plant Height

:

6–36 inches (15–90 cm)

Spread

:

12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Spacing

:

12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Flowers

:

Unique, bell-shaped flowers with spurred petals in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, white, or yellow. Blooms in late spring to early summer.

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Uses

:

Woodland gardens, cottage gardens, borders, rock gardens, and cut flowers.

Companions

:

Ferns, Hostas, Bleeding Hearts

Pruning

:

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain tidiness.

Toxicity

:

Generally considered mildly toxic. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.

Pests

:

Aphids, leaf miners, and caterpillars.

Diseases

:

Powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot (if conditions are too humid)

Fun Fact

:

Aquilegias also known as Columbines, symbolize wisdom, strength, and happiness in the language of flowers.