Columbine Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' (Clementine Series) (d)
ABOUT
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White', commonly known as Columbine, is a notable cultivar due to its unique and enchanting flowers. The 'Clementine White' variety features pristine white blooms that have an intricate, almost otherworldly appearance. These flowers present a striking contrast to the rich green foliage below. The blooms are composed of a series of upward-facing, bell-shaped petals that encircle a central puff of stamens, reminiscent of a small, elegant pompom. The petals themselves are spurred, extending back from the flower in an elegant, spur-like formation that adds to the whimsical charm of the plant. This spurred feature is a hallmark of the Columbine genus. The foliage of the plant forms a delicate backdrop to the showy flowers. It is comprised of leaves that are divided into rounded lobes, creating a soft, fern-like texture that complements the bold blossoms above. The leaves are often a blue-green hue, which further highlights the purity of the white flowers. Overall, the 'Clementine White' Columbine presents a stunning display with its dreamy flowers and lacy leaves, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking a touch of grace and elegance in their garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Granny's Bonnet, Columbine
Common names
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' (Clementine Series) (d).
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine, including Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' (Clementine Series), contains toxic substances that can be harmful if ingested. All parts of this plant are considered poisonous due to the presence of cardiogenic toxins and cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can potentially cause heart palpitations, gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as headaches and dizziness upon ingestion. In severe cases, excessive consumption could lead to increased toxicity and more serious consequences.
To pets
Columbine, the common name for Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' (Clementine Series), is also toxic to pets. If ingested, pets could suffer from similar symptoms to those seen in humans, including gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The entire plant is considered poisonous due to the presence of cardiogenic toxins and cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause heart issues in severe cases. Pet owners should prevent animals from eating any part of this plant due to its potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden, promoting pollination and biodiversity.
- Ornamental Value: With its unique, elegant white flowers, this plant adds aesthetic appeal to any garden, bed, or border.
- Easy to Grow: It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a range of conditions, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good resistance to periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety can grow in partial shade, offering flexibility in garden design and plant placement.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return each year, providing long-term value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Cottage Garden Style: 'Clementine White', with its classic bloom shape, is perfect for creating or enhancing a traditional cottage garden atmosphere.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dielectric Material Research: Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' petals have been investigated for their potential use as a natural dielectric material due to their cell structure and composition.
- Photography: The distinct and elegant appearance of 'Clementine White' makes it a popular subject for photographers specializing in botanical and garden photography.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative at weddings and celebrations.
- Natural Dye: The petals can be used to produce a light, natural dye for fabrics or paper, offering a subtle color derived from organic materials.
- Art Supplies: The distinctive shape of the Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' can inspire patterns for drawing and the fresh or dried flowers can be incorporated into mixed media art projects.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for culinary use, the flowers can be used as a delicate garnish for desserts and drinks after ensuring they are free from pesticides.
- Edible Ink: Some people have experimented with using the flower’s natural pigments as a form of edible ink for cake decorating or other culinary presentations.
- Flower Arranging Classes: The 'Clementine White' is often included in flower arranging and floristry courses due to its unique shape, helping students learn how to balance intricate designs.
- Educational Tool: In schools, the plant can be used to teach students about botany, the life cycle of plants, and the importance of pollinators.
- Literary Inspiration: Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White' has been mentioned in poetry and literature, inspiring metaphors and symbolizing purity or new beginnings within creative writing.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiColumbine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityColumbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: Aquilegia vulgaris, commonly known as Columbine, often symbolizes strength of spirit because the flower can thrive in a variety of conditions.
- Resilience: The Columbine's ability to return each year, often in rocky and harsh terrain, makes it a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
- Foolishness: In Victorian flower language, the Columbine was sometimes associated with foolishness, possibly due to the jester's cap shape of its flowers.
- Peace: The soft, gentle appearance of the 'Clementine White' variety can evoke a sense of tranquility, making the flower symbolize peace.
WaterColumbine 'Clementine White' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, keep the soil consistently moist by providing about one inch of water each week, which roughly translates to 0.623 gallons for an average-sized plant. In periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to increase watering frequency. Reduce the amount of water in the winter months when plant growth is dormant.
LightColumbines, including 'Clementine White', prefer a location with partial shade to full sun. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight with protection from the intense midday sun, which can scorch their delicate foliage. The best spot would be where morning sun can reach them and dappled shade is provided in the afternoon.
TemperatureThe Columbine 'Clementine White' is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 70°F. They perform best when daytime temperatures are mild and nights are cool.
PruningColumbine 'Clementine White' should be pruned to remove spent flowers, which encourages new blooms and prevents self-seeding if undesirable. Prune back to the basal foliage after flowering to promote healthy growth and prepare the plant for the next season. Pruning is typically done in late summer or fall, once the plant has finished blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbine prefers well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingColumbines, being perennials, do not need frequent repotting. They can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its container is sufficient for their well-being.
Humidity & MistingColumbines are adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefer moderate humidity. They do not require any special humidity conditions and will thrive in the average humidity found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partly shaded area; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleColumbine 'Clementine White' begins its life as a seed, typically sown in the spring, which upon germination gives rise to small seedlings. These seedlings then develop into juvenile plants with characteristic foliage. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of deeply lobed, green leaves at its base. The next stage is flowering, which usually occurs in the late spring to early summer, featuring the distinct, elegant white blossoms of the 'Clementine' series. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed pods that mature and eventually release seeds for the next generation. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy in the winter, particularly in colder climates, with the cycle repeating the following spring if the conditions are suitable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine White', commonly known as Granny's Bonnet, is typically propagated by seed. The ideal time for sowing these seeds is late winter to early spring. To propagate Granny's Bonnet, one should first cold stratify the seeds by placing them in a sealed plastic bag with moist sand or a paper towel and refrigerating for about 3 to 4 weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in pots or trays with seed starting mix, barely covering them as they require light for germination. Place the containers in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight until germination occurs, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and later moved to their final position in the garden when the risk of frost has passed.
