Columbine Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Salmon Rose' (Clementine Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Salmon Rose', commonly known as Columbine, is a charming perennial notable for its unique and showy flowers. It is part of the 'Clementine Series', which presents a collection of plants with double-flowering attributes. The blooms of the 'Clementine Salmon Rose' have an eye-catching appearance with layers of petals that resemble small, elegant roses. The flowers exhibit a delicate salmon-pink to rose hue that can add a soft yet vibrant splash of color to any garden. These flowers are notable for their upward-facing presentation, which is unusual for Columbine varieties, as most tend to have nodding blooms. The petals and sepals create a fluffy, full effect, enhancing the overall ornamental quality of the plant. Adding to the visual interest are the spurs that gracefully extend behind the flowers, although they are less pronounced in this variety compared to the typical elongated spurs of other Columbine plants. The foliage of the 'Clementine Salmon Rose' is equally attractive, with a blue-green tint that offers a nice contrast to the warm tones of the flowers. The leaves are compound, with a lobed and layered appearance that provides fine-textured, visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom. With its exquisite flowers and attractive foliage, the 'Clementine Salmon Rose' Columbine is a delightful addition to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Granny's Bonnet, Columbine
Common names
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Salmon Rose' (Clementine Series)
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine, including the variety Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Salmon Rose', contains toxic compounds, particularly in the seeds and roots. Ingesting parts of the plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe poisoning can potentially cause heart palpitations, tremors, or convulsions, but such extreme cases are rare. Care should be taken to avoid consuming any part of the plant.
To pets
Columbine is considered to have a mild to moderate level of toxicity to pets, such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of this plant, symptoms might include mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. While it is not typically considered life-threatening, ingestion should still be avoided, and if a pet shows signs of distress after eating any part of the plant, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Salmon
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- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a unique visual interest with its distinctive spurs and soft salmon-pink flowers.
- Cut Flower Garden: Suitable for cut flower arrangements, bringing the garden’s beauty indoors.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an easy choice for many gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cottage Garden Style: Ideal for traditional cottage garden planting schemes.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in spring and early summer, filling a gap between early spring bulbs and summer perennials.
- Height and Structure: Adds vertical interest to garden beds and borders due to its height and form.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer and rabbits than other garden plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Butterfly and Bee Garden Attraction: The nectar-rich blooms of Aquilegia vulgaris are perfect for attracting and supporting pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
- Pressed Flower Crafts: The distinctive flowers of this variety can be pressed and used in crafting, for example, to create bookmarks or to embellish greeting cards.
- Photography Subject: Boasting unique salmon rose-colored flowers, this plant is an excellent subject for garden photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Pond or Water Feature Edging: The foliage has a soft, feathery appearance, which can provide a graceful backdrop for water features in garden landscapes.
- Floral Arrangements: The long stems and unique flower shape make them a popular choice for inclusion in floral arrangements and wedding bouquets.
- Garden Themed Artwork: Artists may use the distinctive shape and color of the flowers as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
- Educational Use: This plant can be featured in horticultural studies and workshops about native and heritage plant varieties and their role in garden ecosystems.
- Fantasy Garden Creation: Its whimsical shapes can be used to create a 'fairy-tale' theme in a garden, particularly in children's play areas.
- Garden Color Theme Contributions: This plant's salmon rose flowers can be used to establish or accentuate a specific color scheme in a collection or bed.
- Dye Production: The petals can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or art projects, although not commonly known for this use.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Columbine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Columbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Courage: Aquilegia, commonly known as Columbine, symbolizes strength and courage, as its Latin name is derived from "Aquila," which means "eagle" and refers to the claw-like spurs of the flower that resemble eagle's talons.
- Foolishness: In the language of flowers, Columbine can also represent foolishness, likely due to the flower's jester-cap appearance, resembling the hats worn by jesters in the Middle Ages.
- Grief: Columbine is sometimes used to symbolize grief, possibly because the flower nods or hangs its head, giving it a mournful appearance.
- Deserted Love: Another layer of its symbolism relates to deserted love or the end of a relationship, which is also tied into its nodding aspect, perhaps suggesting bowing out or leaving.
WaterThe Columbine 'Clementine Salmon Rose' should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Generally, this means watering once or twice a week during active growth periods, depending on the weather conditions. It's best to water deeply and less frequently, which encourages stronger root growth. A good approach is to provide about one gallon of water for each plant per week, making adjustments for rainfall and temperature. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more often.
LightColumbine 'Clementine Salmon Rose' thrives in a location with partial shade, particularly in the afternoon, to protect it from the intense heat of the midday sun. The ideal spot is one that gets morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon. This plant can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but the foliage may scorch if exposed to too much direct sunlight, especially in hotter regions.
TemperatureColumbine 'Clementine Salmon Rose' is fairly tolerant of a range of temperatures, but it thrives in conditions between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may struggle if it gets colder. During the heat of summer, Columbines appreciate cooler temperatures and may go dormant if it exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Columbine 'Clementine Salmon Rose' to remove spent flowers, which encourages additional blooming and prevents self-seeding if desired. After flowering, cut back the foliage to the base to tidy the plant and stimulate new growth. Pruning is best done immediately following bloom, typically in mid to late summer, depending on your climate and the plant's flowering schedule.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbine 'Clementine Salmon Rose' thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing garden soil, peat moss, and perlite will provide the appropriate structure and fertility for this plant.
RepottingColumbine 'Clementine Salmon Rose' is typically grown as an outdoor perennial and does not require regular repotting. Instead, divide clumps every 3-5 years to rejuvenate and propagate the plant.
Humidity & MistingColumbine 'Clementine Salmon Rose' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does not require any special humidity considerations when grown in typical garden conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide partial shade, cool temperatures, and moist soil.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, ensure well-drained soil, fertilize yearly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleAquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Salmon Rose', commonly known as Columbine, begins its life as a seed which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil, germinates typically in spring. After germination, the seedlings develop into rosettes of lobed foliage, and as they mature, the plants form upright stems with the distinctive foliage. By late spring to early summer, the mature plants produce unique, upward-facing flowers with a blend of salmon and rose hues, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into follicles containing black seeds which, when mature, are released to start a new generation. The plant may enter a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, especially in colder climates, where it remains until the return of warmer spring temperatures which triggers a new growth cycle. With proper conditions, Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Salmon Rose' can also spread through self-seeding, and with longevity, it can exist perennially in a garden setting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Salmon Rose', commonly known as Granny's Bonnet or Columbine, can be propagated most effectively through seed sowing. Seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date to get a head start on the growing season. Sowing them in a tray with seed starting mix, these seeds should be lightly covered with soil, as they require light to germinate. Maintain a steady moisture level but avoid waterlogging, and provide a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) for optimal germination, which typically takes 21-30 days. Once the seedlings develop true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots before eventually being moved to their final position in the garden after the risk of frost has passed.
