Columbine Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Dark Purple' (Clementine Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Columbine 'Clementine Dark Purple' from the Clementine Series is known for its distinctive and attractive blooms. Its flowers are a deep, rich purple color, featuring a unique, upward-facing, spurless form that resembles a cluster of small, star-shaped blooms forming a pompom or a double flower. The petals are layered in an intricate arrangement that adds depth and texture to the overall floral display. The foliage of this plant is equally alluring, with a blue-green hue, and is made up of compound leaves that are divided into rounded leaflets with scalloped edges. The leaves form a delicate, lacey backdrop that perfectly complements the dramatic flowers. The plant overall exudes an old-world charm with its sophisticated color palette and romantic floral structure that invites admiration and lends an elegant touch to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Columbine, Granny's Bonnet.
Common names
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Dark Purple'
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine, specifically Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Dark Purple', contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. The plant contains several compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide when metabolized. Symptoms of columbine poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to respiratory failure and death.
To pets
Columbine, specifically Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Dark Purple', is also toxic to pets. If ingested by animals such as dogs and cats, it can cause similar symptoms as in humans. These symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea, and in extreme cases, could progress to more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or seizures due to cyanide toxicity. Owners should prevent pets from ingesting any part of this plant to avoid poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Dark Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Dark Purple', also known as Columbine, features unique, deep purple flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting biodiversity.
- Shade Tolerance: Columbine can thrive in partially shaded areas where other flowering plants might struggle.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally easy to care for, making it suitable for novice gardeners and low-maintenance gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a relatively long flowering season extending from late spring into early summer.
- Cut Flower Use: Its unique blooms are great for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: It fits perfectly in the relaxed setting of a cottage garden with its informal beauty.
- Self-seeding: Columbine can self-seed under favorable conditions, providing new plants without additional planting effort.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Dark Purple', commonly known as Columbine, can be used as a natural fabric dye, offering hues in the purple or blue spectrum depending on the mordant used.
- Columbine petals are sometimes crystallized and used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts, providing an elegant touch.
- The fresh flowers can add ornamental value when floated in bowls of water for a simple, yet sophisticated table centerpiece.
- Dried Columbine flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to contribute visual variety and interesting shapes.
- The Columbine's seed pods, once dried, can be used in artistic crafts or jewelry making, often as natural beads or charms.
- Columbine flowers can be used in the papermaking process, where the petals are included to create paper with a unique texture and pattern.
- The dried plant, particularly stems and foliage, can be woven into wreaths or other ornamental decorations, offering a rustic aesthetic.
- Since Columbines attract hummingbirds and butterflies, they may also be used strategically in gardens to encourage the presence of these pollinators.
- Photographers and painters often use Columbines as subjects due to their unique shape and striking colors, leading to artistic representations.
- The stems of the Columbine can be hollowed out and used in miniature construction projects, such as fairy garden accessories or model making.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiColumbine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityColumbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Courage: Aquilegia, commonly known as Columbine, often symbolizes strength and courage derived from its association with eagles, as the Latin name suggests ("aquila" meaning eagle). The shape of the flowers is thought to resemble an eagle's claw, suggesting a connection with these powerful birds.
- Wisdom: Columbine is also believed to represent wisdom. In some traditions, it is associated with the ability to make wise choices and impart knowledge.
- Foolishness: In contrast to wisdom, Columbine has an association with foolishness, especially in Christian symbolism where the flower is considered emblematic of foolish men who did not listen to Jesus' teachings.
- Deserted Love: The Columbine flower can also represent deserted love. This belief may stem from the flower's delicate and fleeting beauty, which could be likened to love that has faded or been left behind.
- Sacred Gifts: In Christian symbolism, Columbine flowers are sometimes associated with the Holy Spirit and are believed to represent the seven gifts of the spirit, including wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
WaterColumbine should be watered regularly with deep soakings, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to encourage deep root growth. The amount of water needed can vary depending on weather conditions, but a good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 inch of water per week. This could translate to about 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil each week, adjusting for rainfall. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
LightColumbine prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. It will bloom best with at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day, but in hotter climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent stress. The ideal spot would be one that gets morning sun and is shielded from the intense heat of the late afternoon.
TemperatureColumbine thrives in a temperate climate with a preference for cooler temperatures. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and is comfortable in temperatures up to 85°F. The ideal temperature range for cultivating Columbine is between 50°F and 70°F.
PruningPruning Columbine involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and to prevent self-seeding, if desired. After flowering, prune back foliage to rejuvenate the plant and maintain its shape. Perform this pruning in late fall; however, you may leave seed heads if you wish the plant to self-sow.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbines, such as 'Clementine Dark Purple', thrive in fertile, well-drained soil, with a preference for loamy earth. A good mix would be one-part peat, one-part compost or leaf mold, and one-part perlite or grit for drainage. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.5 to 7.5, ensuring a neutral to slightly alkaline environment for optimal growth.
RepottingColumbines, including the 'Clementine Dark Purple', generally do not require frequent repotting as they are often treated as biennials or short-lived perennials. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingColumbines, such as the 'Clementine Dark Purple', prefer average to slightly above average humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They do well in outdoor conditions, where the natural humidity suffices for their growth requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Place in part shade to full sun, ensure moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Dark Purple', commonly known as Granny's Bonnet, begins its life when seeds germinate in spring under cool, moist conditions. The young seedlings develop into rosettes with distinctive lobed leaves during their first year. As a perennial, it enters dormancy over winter, surviving as underground structures. In its second year, the plant produces tall, branched stems topped with nodding, dark purple flowers during late spring to early summer. After pollination by insects, it sets seed in capsule-like fruit which, upon ripening, opens to release seeds that propagate the next generation. The plant's foliage dies back after flowering, completing its annual life cycle, but the root system remains alive, enabling the cycle to begin anew the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Dark Purple', commonly known as Granny's Bonnet or Columbine, is most effectively propagated by seed. The best time to sow Columbine seeds is in late winter to early spring. Sow the seeds onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and aim for a temperature range of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius), which will encourage germination. It typically takes about 30 days for Columbine seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or the garden area where they are to grow.
