Columbine Aquilegia 'Bunting' (Songbird Series)
ABOUT
The Aquilegia 'Bunting' that is part of the Songbird Series, commonly known as Columbine, is a delightful perennial that is renowned for its eye-catching flowers. The blooms are a distinguishable feature of this plant, characterized by a unique shape that resembles birds in flight. They have a combination of upward-facing, outer petals accompanied by a ring of extended, tubular inner petals with a pronounced spur at the back, which is typical of the Columbine group. The flowers of the Aquilegia 'Bunting' exhibit a captivating blend of colors. The outer petals and sepals are usually a soft lavender to blue hue, whilst the inner petals are often a contrasting white or cream color that adds to the visual appeal of the blooms. These flowers are poised atop slender, branching stems that emerge from a basal mound of foliage. The foliage of the 'Bunting' Columbine is equally attractive, comprising delicate, green leaves that are divided into rounded lobes, giving them a fern-like appearance. This foliage forms a lush mound that serves as a beautiful backdrop to the distinctive flowers, providing a textural contrast in garden settings. Plant enthusiasts often appreciate the Bunting Columbine not just for its floriferous display but also for its capacity to invite pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies into the garden. The blend of its charming flowers and the attractive foliage makes it a popular choice for garden borders, rockeries, and as an accent in ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Columbine, Granny's Bonnet
Common names
Aquilegia caerulea 'Bunting'
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine is not highly toxic to humans but it should still be handled with care as all parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides. Ingesting parts of this plant can lead to mild symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe poisoning is rare.
To pets
Columbine could be potentially toxic to pets if ingested. All parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in animals. In rare cases, if a pet consumes a large amount, it could result in more severe symptoms such as respiratory difficulties or seizures.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetically Pleasing: The Aquilegia 'Bunting,' commonly known as Columbine, has unique, showy flowers that add visual interest and beauty to garden spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its vibrant flowers lure hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, promoting pollination and biodiversity in the garden.
- Diversity in Garden Design: The plant features a variety of colors, making it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add diversity in color schemes.
- Shade Tolerance: Columbine can thrive in part shade conditions where other plants might struggle, offering more planting options in shaded gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being low maintenance and easy to care for, which is ideal for beginning gardeners and those looking for hassle-free plants.
- Long Blooming Season: Columbine has a prolonged period of bloom, which ensures that gardens remain colorful and vibrant for longer durations in the growing season.
- Resistant to Deer: This plant is typically resistant to deer, which can save gardeners the frustration of having their plantings eaten by wildlife.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aquilegia 'Bunting' can serve as a natural dye source. The blossoms can be used to dye fabrics a light blue or green hue, depending on the mordant used.
- These flowers can be used in pressed flower crafts. The petals retain their color well when pressed and can be used to create beautiful artworks or bookmarks.
- As a teaching tool in botany. The distinctive morphology of the Columbine can be used to demonstrate the diversity of flower shapes and pollination strategies to students.
- Columbine seeds can be a part of seed art due to their interesting shape and texture. They are often used in creating intricate seed art or mosaics.
- Their uniquely shaped leaves can be used as a template for botanical illustration classes, helping students learn to replicate complex leaf patterns.
- They can act as indicators of seasonal change in a garden since Columbine plants tend to flower in the late spring to early summer period.
- As a photography subject, these plants, with their intricate flowers, are perfect for macro photography, helping photographers to capture the beauty of nature's details.
- Columbines can be used as delicate natural confetti at outdoor celebrations, where the petals can be scattered without harm to the environment.
- The plant's spent blooms and stalks can add structure to winter gardens. When left untrimmed, they provide visual interest and act as a natural frost catcher.
- As a companion plant in the vegetable garden, Columbine may attract pollinators or beneficial insects which can contribute to the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiColumbine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityColumbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: Aquilegia is also known as Columbine, which stems from the Latin word "columba" meaning dove. The shape of the flower is thought to resemble that of five doves together, which in Christian symbolism relates to the Holy Spirit representing strength and virtue.
- Resilience: The ability of the Columbine to grow in a variety of challenging conditions is often seen as a symbol of resilience and the ability to thrive amidst adversity.
- Loneliness: In some folklore, the Columbine is associated with deserted lovers and thus symbolizes the pain of love lost or unrequited love, leading to a representation of loneliness.
- Foolishness: In Shakespeare's plays, the Columbine is also emblematic of folly, possibly due to the flower's whimsical shape, leading to associations with foolishness or thoughtlessness.
WaterColumbine 'Bunting' needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. It is preferable to water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the soil and weather conditions. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings can help prevent root rot. It’s important to avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage diseases; so water at the base of the plant. During the hotter summer months, you may need to water twice a week if the soil dries out more quickly.
LightColumbine 'Bunting' thrives best in partial shade but can also manage full sun in cooler climates. It is ideal to provide morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid intense, direct afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions, as it can cause stress to the plant. An eastern or northern exposure works well for the Columbine 'Bunting'.
TemperatureColumbine 'Bunting' prefers moderate temperatures, thriving ideally in a range between 50°F and 70°F. While it can handle minimum temperatures down to -30°F, its upper tolerance is about 90°F before the plant will show signs of stress. To ensure vigorous growth, avoid placing it in sites where extreme temperatures are common, and consider providing shade during the hottest parts of the day.
PruningColumbine 'Bunting' should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage additional blooms and to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning can also stimulate new growth for the next season. Dead and damaged leaves can be removed anytime throughout the growing season. The best time to prune for shape and size is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbine 'Bunting' thrives in moist, well-draining soil with good organic matter content. A mix composed of equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal, ensuring both drainage and water retention. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingColumbines typically do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. Repot Columbine 'Bunting' only if it outgrows its container or the soil becomes exhausted, generally every 3 to 4 years.
Humidity & MistingColumbine 'Bunting' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions found in most garden environments. Aim for humidity levels that would be typical of a temperate outdoor climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Columbine 'Bunting' (Songbird Series) begins with seed germination, which is influenced by factors like temperature, moisture, and light, and can take several weeks. Following germination, seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic lobed leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a foliage clump from which flower stalks emerge, bearing distinctive, nodding flowers with spurred petals in shades of blue and white, blossoming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by hummingbirds or bees attracted to its nectar, the flowers produce follicles containing small black seeds. The plant then enters a phase of senescence post-flowering, where foliage may die back, especially if the climate is hot and dry. The Columbine 'Bunting' may exhibit dormancy during adverse conditions, yet it will return the following growing season, completing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: Aquilegia 'Bunting', commonly known as Columbine from the Songbird Series, is often propagated by seed. The best time to sow columbine seeds is usually in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed, to early summer. To propagate by seed, scatter the seeds on the surface of moist, well-drained soil and lightly cover them with a fine layer of soil. There is no need to plant them deeply; a light covering is sufficient for them to germinate, which can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to prevent crowding and to promote strong, healthy growth. Seedlings can be grown on in pots before being transplanted to their final location in the garden.
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