Columbine Aquilegia 'Colorado' (State Series)
ABOUT
Aquilegia 'Colorado' (State Series), commonly known as the Colorado Columbine, is a perennial plant that is admired for its attractive and distinctive flowers. The Colorado Columbine blooms typically showcase a duo of colors, with an outer array of elongated petals, often in a serene shade of blue or violet. These are contrasted with a shorter, inner group of petals and stamens in shades of white or yellow, giving the flowers their characteristic bi-coloured appearance. Each flower of the Colorado Columbine presents a nodding habit, with blooms that face downward, gracefully dangling from the fine stems, adding a whimsical appeal to the garden. The foliage of the plant is equally beautiful, composed of a complex arrangement of leaflets that are each subdivided into smaller leaf-like segments, creating a delicate, almost fern-like appearance. This fine-textured foliage is typically a lush shade of green, which serves as the perfect backdrop to showcase the exquisite flowers. As a member of the State Series, Aquilegia 'Colorado' has been selectively bred to present these stunning ornamental qualities, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of natural elegance to their landscape. The striking flowers not only contribute visual interest to garden beds and borders but are also favored by pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, which are drawn to their nectar-rich blooms. With its distinctive and eye-catching appearance, the Colorado Columbine remains a beloved choice for many plant enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Colorado Blue Columbine, Rocky Mountain Columbine, Colorado Columbine, State Series Columbine
Common names
Aquilegia 'Colorado'
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine, including the Aquilegia 'Colorado' variant, contains compounds that are considered toxic if ingested. The plant parts, particularly the seeds and roots, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release harmful cyanide into the body. Symptoms of poisoning from columbine ingestion can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion may result in respiratory difficulty, heart problems, and even death. Care should be taken to avoid eating any part of the plant.
To pets
Columbine is also toxic to pets; this includes household animals such as cats and dogs. Similar to its effects on humans, the cyanogenic glycosides present in columbine can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, which may manifest as symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Severe cases may lead to more critical symptoms like difficulty breathing, heart issues, seizures, or even death. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these adverse health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Columbine adds beauty and color to gardens with its unique spurred flowers that come in a variety of hues.
- Attracts Wildlife: The nectar-rich blooms are known to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, wildflower gardens, and woodland settings, contributing to diverse garden designs.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Columbine can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cool Weather Tolerance: It is capable of thriving in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in temperate climates.
- Long Blooming Period: Columbine has a relatively long flowering season, providing a display of color for an extended period.
- Self-Seeding: Capable of self-seeding under the right conditions, it can gradually expand its presence in a garden.
- Variety: Offers a range of colors and forms through different hybrids and cultivars, allowing gardeners to choose the best fit for their landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Columbine 'Colorado' can be used in dried floral arrangements, as the unique shape of the flowers adds an artistic touch when they are dried and preserved.
- Due to their nectar-rich flowers, Columbine 'Colorado' can be cultivated to create a butterfly garden, encouraging various butterfly species to visit and pollinate other plants.
- Artists may use Columbine 'Colorado' as a natural subject for botanical illustration, capturing the intricate details and colors of the flowers.
- They can act as a natural dye source; petals from Columbine 'Colorado' could be used to dye fabrics or paper with light shades of blue or purple.
- Columbine 'Colorado' serves as a muse for jewelry design, inspiring pieces that mimic the delicate flower shapes in earrings, pendants, and other adornments.
- Photographers often use Columbine 'Colorado' for macro photography practice, thanks to the complex structure and striking colors of the flowers.
- The seeds of Columbine 'Colorado', once collected, can be packaged uniquely and gifted as a symbol of love and affection.
- Gardeners looking for a challenge might use Columbine 'Colorado' to practice hybridization, attempting to create new varieties with different colors or flower forms.
- Columbine 'Colorado' can be incorporated into a sensory garden for its texture and soft foliage, providing a tactile experience aside from its visual beauty.
- These flowers can also be used in creating an educational garden to teach about native plants of the Colorado area and the importance of plant diversity.
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: The Aquilegia, commonly known as Columbine, with its upright stance and resilient nature, is often associated with strength and the ability to stand tall and courageous in difficult situations.
- Foolishness: In Latin, 'columbine' is derived from 'columba' which means dove, but it also relates to the term "columbinus," meaning foolish. This association comes from the jesters’ hats in medieval times that resembled the shape of the Columbine's flowers.
- Desire for love: The unique shape and alluring colors of Columbine are thought to symbolize a strong desire for love or the resolution of a new love.
- Sanctity and spirituality: Due to its five petals that resemble a group of doves, the Columbine is sometimes used to symbolize the Holy Spirit and the purity, peace, and sanctity that doves represent.
WaterColumbine plants, including the Aquilegia 'Colorado', prefer consistent moisture, but they do not like to be waterlogged. Water them regularly, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering. During periods of high heat or drought, increase watering to twice a week, providing about 2 gallons per plant each week to maintain soil moisture. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent root rot. It's best to water the plants in the morning to allow any excess water on the foliage to evaporate during the day.
LightColumbines, such as the Aquilegia 'Colorado', thrive in areas with partial shade to full sun. They prefer about 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, ideally receiving morning sun and protection from the intense afternoon light. An ideal spot would be one where they can be shaded by taller plants or a structure during the heat of the afternoon.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for growing Columbine plants like Aquilegia 'Colorado' is between 50°F and 65°F. They can withstand minimum temperatures down into the 20s and maximum temperatures up to around 85°F, but they perform best when not subjected to the extremes for prolonged periods. At higher temperatures, they may require additional shading and watering to keep them cool and hydrated.
PruningPruning Columbines, including Aquilegia 'Colorado', helps to encourage more vigorous growth and flowering. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding and to promote additional blooms. Cut back the foliage to the ground level in late fall after it dies back to keep the plant tidy and reduce the risk of pests overwintering. Do not prune in early spring, as new growth appears, to avoid damaging emerging buds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbine prefers a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand can provide the required drainage and nutrient levels for optimal growth.
RepottingColumbines, including the 'Colorado' variety, are typically perennials that do not require frequent repotting. They can be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil or if they outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingColumbine thrives in moderate humidity levels; therefore, maintaining average room humidity is sufficient. They do not require special humidity adjustments in a typical home environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and good air circulation indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade to full sun with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia 'Colorado') begins with a seed stage, where the plant's journey starts upon germination, typically in moist, well-drained soil in spring or after a cold stratification period in the winter. The seedling stage follows, where small shoots push through the soil surface and gradually develop true leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows a clump of delicate, lobed foliage, preparing for eventual flowering. The reproductive stage sees the development of distinct, nodding flowers with spurred petals, usually in shades of blue and white, which bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After pollination, the plant sets seed in elongated follicles that eventually disperse for the next generation. The plant may go into a dormancy stage during the winter, marking a period of reduced activity before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Aquilegia 'Colorado', commonly known as the Colorado Columbine, is most effectively propagated through seeds. The optimal time to sow Colorado Columbine seeds is in the late winter or early spring, just after the last frost has passed to ensure that the seeds benefit from the cooler spring temperatures. The popular method to propagate this plant involves initially preparing a seed-starting tray filled with a well-draining, seed-starting mix. The seeds should be lightly pressed into the soil but not completely covered, as they require some light to germinate effectively. The soil must then be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is beneficial to place the tray in a cool location; some gardeners recommend a period of stratification, which involves chilling the seeds in a refrigerator for about three to four weeks to improve germination rates. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough and all danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to a location with partial to full sun and good drainage.
