Columbine Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Black Barlow' (Barlow Series) (d)
ABOUT
The plant known as Columbine 'Black Barlow' is distinguished by its unique and eye-catching flowers. The blooms are a dramatic deep purple to almost black color, featuring densely packed, pompom-like double flowers with many spurless petals. These intriguing flowers create a striking contrast against the pale green, lobed foliage beneath them. The leaves are delicate and biternate, which means they are divided into threes, giving the plant a fern-like appearance. While in bloom, Columbine 'Black Barlow' offers a gothic and romantic aesthetic to any garden setting, attracting a variety of pollinators despite its complex, showy flowers. Overall, it presents a cottage garden charm with a twist, thanks to its bold floral display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Black Barlow Columbine, Dark Columbine, Star Columbine, Granny's Bonnet
Common names
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Black Barlow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris), which includes the 'Black Barlow' variety, contains substances that can be harmful if ingested. These plants contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can lead to cyanide poisoning in humans if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning may include dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to respiratory difficulty and increased heart rate. It's important to exercise caution and avoid ingestion of this plant to prevent toxic effects.
To pets
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris), which includes the 'Black Barlow' variety, can also be toxic to pets if they consume the plant. Similar to humans, its components can lead to mild to moderate symptoms of poisoning in pets, which might include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly tremors. As pets are often smaller and can be more sensitive to plant toxins, even a small amount can be more harmful to them compared to humans. Therefore, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting any parts of the plant to avoid potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Dark purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The 'Black Barlow' columbine features unique, dark purple-black double flowers that add dramatic flair to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Columbines are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which benefit the pollination of gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: 'Black Barlow' can tolerate partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or spots with dappled sunlight.
- Cottage Garden Style: Its old-fashioned blooms are perfect for cottage gardens, creating a charming and whimsical aesthetic.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, columbines generally require minimal care, making them suitable for busy gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Columbines bloom in late spring to early summer, filling the gap between early spring bulbs and summer perennials.
- Cut Flowers: The unique blossoms of 'Black Barlow' make striking cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Self-Seeding: Columbines often self-seed, providing new plants to fill the garden or to share with fellow gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Columbine as a natural clothing dye: The dark, rich color of the 'Black Barlow' flowers has been used historically to create natural dyes for fabric, imparting a muted purple or grey hue.
- Photography subject: Due to its striking appearance, the Columbine 'Black Barlow' makes an excellent subject for botanical photography and is popular among garden photographers.
- Artistic inspiration: The unique form and color of the flower can inspire artists, leading them to capture its essence in various forms of artwork, from watercolor to oil paintings.
- Culinary decoration: Although not commonly consumed, the flowers can be used as an eye-catching garnish for haute cuisine dishes, adding an exotic flair.
- Garden theme creation: The 'Black Barlow' can be a central part of a gothic or moonlight garden, where plants with dark foliage and flowers create a mystical ambiance.
- Wedding bouquets: The dark and dramatic blooms can be incorporated into wedding flower arrangements, especially for weddings with a more unconventional or vintage theme.
- Educational tool: Columbine can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant biology, pollination, and the importance of preserving native species.
- Butterfly and hummingbird attraction: Gardening enthusiasts plant 'Black Barlow' to attract and sustain local hummingbird and butterfly populations, as it provides a rich source of nectar.
- Symbolism and storytelling: The distinct appearance of Columbine is often used in literature and folklore to symbolize melancholy, due to its dusky, downward-facing blooms.
- Fantasy gardens: Enthusiasts of fantasy-themed gardens utilize the ethereal look of 'Black Barlow' Columbine to create areas that seem as if they are straight out of a fairy tale.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Columbine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Columbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The Aquilegia, also known as Columbine, is often associated with protection. In Christian symbolism, it was considered a symbol of the Holy Spirit, which was believed to offer protection and guidance.
- Resolve: The hardy nature of the Columbine has made it a symbol of resolve and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, reflecting a person's strength in adversity.
- Foolishness: In contrast, the flower was sometimes seen as a symbol of foolishness and naïveté, possibly related to the flower's bonnet-like shape, reminding some of a court jester’s cap.
- Deserted Love: The Columbine, in the language of flowers, can symbolize deserted love or the feeling of being abandoned during trying times.
WaterColumbines, including the 'Black Barlow', prefer consistently moist soil, so water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on weather conditions, this might mean watering once or twice a week. Use a gentle stream or a watering can to avoid disrupting the soil or damaging the delicate foliage. Aim to provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water per week during active growth periods in spring and summer, adjusting for rainfall and temperature extremes as necessary.
LightColumbines, such as the 'Black Barlow', thrive in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in regions with hot summers. Avoid deep shade, as this can result in leggy plants and fewer blossoms.
TemperatureThe 'Black Barlow' Columbine is hardy and adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, flourishing best between 60°F to 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -30°F, making it suitable for gardens in USDA zones 3 to 8. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80°F may stress the plant and reduce blooming.
PruningPrune 'Black Barlow' Columbines after flowering to promote a tidy appearance and discourage self-seeding if desired. Cut back the spent flower stems to the basal foliage. Pruning is typically done once flowering has finished in the early to mid-summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbine 'Black Barlow' prefers a well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. The best soil mix would be a blend of loamy soil, compost, and some sand to facilitate drainage. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingColumbine 'Black Barlow' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is not a long-lived perennial. You may repot it if the plant outgrows its container or every few years to refresh the soil, providing a new mix that is fertile and well-draining.
Humidity & MistingColumbine 'Black Barlow' thrives in average humidity conditions found in most outdoor garden environments. It does not need high humidity and can tolerate the humidity levels that are generally present in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enriched soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleColumbine 'Black Barlow', begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when the soil has warmed up sufficiently, typically after stratification over winter. The seedlings then develop into rosettes of foliage, with distinctive lacy leaves, during their first growing season, investing their energy into establishing strong root systems. In the second year, the rosettes send up flowering stalks that can reach about 60-90 cm in height, producing double, dark purple to black, spurless blooms that attract pollinators. After flowering in late spring to early summer, the plant sets seed, which are typically dispersed nearby the parent plant. Columbine 'Black Barlow' is a perennial, and once established, it will re-emerge from the same rootstock each spring, repeating the cycle. The plants may gradually form larger clumps and can also self-seed in favorable conditions, creating new plants that will follow the same life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Columbine 'Black Barlow', known for its deep purple, almost black flowers, is often propagated by seed. The best time to sow Columbine seeds is late winter to early spring. Cold stratification for about 3-4 weeks can improve germination rates; this involves chilling the seeds in a refrigerator to simulate winter conditions. Sow the seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed starting mix, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil temperature around 70°F (21°C) and maintain consistent moisture. Germination typically occurs within 21 to 28 days. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle and there is no risk of frost, they can be transplanted outdoors to a shaded or partially shaded area with rich, well-drained soil.
