Aquilegia x caerulea 'Origami Mix' |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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Recommended by P. Allen Smith in his monthly garden guide, this columbine has an extended bloom time, up to 12 weeks, which is much longer than the older varieties. 'Origami Mix' produces large 3 inch flowers in a variety of colors including blue, pink, red, white, and yellow. All of them start to bloom in late spring.
This is a valuable selection because of its uniform growth habit, free-flowering tendancy, and upward-held flowers. It is perfect for planting in patio pots and window boxes.
Aquilegia is especially lovely when allowed to naturalize in shady, woodland borders. They also have excellent potential as cut flowers, lasting up to 2 weeks in a vase.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
14-18 Inches
Spread:
12-18 Inches
Flower Color:
Multicolored
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies
Attracts hummingbirds
Need critter resistant plants?:
Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Late spring
Early summer
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Woodland/Shade
Cottage
Eclectic
Columbine is easy to grow in loose, average to rich, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soils will hasten their demise. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade, though light shade will prolong the flowering time.
In the fall, cut plants back to their basal foliage. In the spring, remove only the dead leaves. Columbine is sometimes affected by leaf miners. If this happens, cut the foliage all the way back to the ground and discard it. Healthy, new growth will emerge quickly. Propagate by sowing named seed rather than by division; mature plants do not like to be disturbed.
Both the flowers and the leaves of Columbine are reminiscent of doves (columba is Latin for "dove"). Columbines often represent the dove of peace in religious artwork.