Fan Columbine Aquilegia flabellata 'Georgia' (State Series)
ABOUT
The plant in discussion, commonly referred to as the Georgia Columbine, presents a charming display of distinctively shaped flowers. The blooms of this variety are characterized by their vibrant tones, often a striking blue or purple, which add a splash of color to any garden. Each flower presents with a set of backward-pointing spurs, which is a hallmark feature of the Columbine family. The petals are uniquely layered, providing a delightful texture and depth to the flower's structure, with a myriad of smaller, elaborate inner petals that contrast beautifully against the larger, showier ones. The foliage of the Georgia Columbine also adds to its ornamental appeal. The leaves are typically a soft green color and exhibit a rounded fan shape, often segmented into lobed sections resembling the blade of a fan. This delicate, divided leaf structure presents an attractive, lace-like quality, which provides a lush background to the distinctive blooms. The overall form of the Georgia Columbine is one that demonstrates balance and grace, with a natural mounding habit that makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add serene beauty to their planting spaces. However, within this description, explicit mention of the size, measured in any units, is withheld as per the stated instructions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Fan Columbine, Dwarf Columbine, Georgia Columbine.
Common names
Aquilegia vulgaris var. pumila Kitag.
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine, which includes Aquilegia flabellata 'Georgia', is known to contain compounds that can be harmful if ingested. Specifically, it has cardiogenic toxins which can affect the heart, as well as cyanogenic glycosides which have the potential to release cyanide in the body. Symptoms from consuming parts of the plant can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to heart problems or respiratory difficulty. It's generally advisable to avoid consuming any part of a columbine plant owing to these potential toxic effects.
To pets
Columbine, which includes Aquilegia flabellata 'Georgia', can also be toxic to pets if ingested. The toxicity is due to the presence of cardiogenic toxins and cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly seizures if a substantial amount has been consumed. In severe instances, ingestion can cause heart palpitations or respiratory failure. Pet owners should keep columbine out of reach of their animals to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds color and visual interest to gardens with its unique, fan-shaped leaves and showy flowers.
- Attracts Wildlife: Invites beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the ecological diversity of the area.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conservation gardens.
- Shade Tolerant: Able to thrive in partial shade, it offers flexibility in garden design for spaces with varying light availability.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being a hardy plant that can easily be grown in a variety of soil types and climates.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides extended color and interest in the garden throughout its prolonged blooming season.
- Cold Resistant: Withstands colder temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in temperate to subalpine zones.
- Variety of Uses: Works well in borders, rock gardens, and as a cut flower, providing versatile use in landscaping and floral arrangements.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some perennials, it does not tend to aggressively spread, making it easier to manage in a garden setting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aquilegia can be used in cut flower arrangements, bringing a touch of the wildflower look to bouquets and indoor decorations.
- The colorful flowers of Aquilegia can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of soft hues and earthy tones.
- Aquilegia's seed pods are interesting in shape and can be used in crafts or as part of dry arrangements for visual texture.
- Due to its unique foliage, Aquilegia can be pressed and included in botanical art or herbarium collections for educational purposes.
- The plant acts as a food source for caterpillars of certain butterflies, thus having a role in butterfly gardening for nurturing local species.
- Aquilegia may be considered for inclusion in fantasy or themed gardens to create an ambiance of an enchanted forest.
- In areas where deer are a problem, Aquilegia might be used as it is not a preferred food source for them, thus remaining unspoiled in gardens.
- Its attractive foliage and flowers make Aquilegia a suitable plant for photography and inspiring botanical illustrations.
- As a folklore element, Aquilegia can be incorporated into gardens that are designed around mythological themes and stories.
- The plant can be used to teach principles of botany and pollination, especially to illustrate the coevolution of flowers and their pollinators.
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 Resilience: "Aquilegia," also known as Columbine, comes from the Latin word "aquila," meaning eagle. The flower’s spurs resemble an eagle's talons, symbolizing the strength, and resilience of an eagle.
- Foolishness: In folklore, the unique shape of Columbine was thought to resemble fools' caps, linking it to the concept of foolishness or folly.
- Abandoned Love: In the language of flowers, Columbine has been a symbol of deserted or forsaken love, possibly because of the way the flower droops as if in sorrow.
- Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: The flower’s five petals and spurs have been used to symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
WaterFan Columbine should be watered regularly, maintaining consistent moisture without over-saturation. In general, watering once or twice a week should suffice, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Aim for one inch of water per week as a general rule, adjusting as necessary for rainfall. During dry spells or hot summer months, water may be needed more frequently, so check the soil moisture regularly. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely but also to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightFan Columbine thrives best in partial shade conditions. It can tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. The ideal spot for Fan Columbine is one where it is protected from the harsh midday sun, which can scorch its delicate foliage. However, these plants do need some light to bloom, so a completely shaded area isn’t suitable.
TemperatureFan Columbine prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate a range between approximately 35 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive a light frost, making them suitable for cooler climates, but should be protected from extreme heat. The ideal temperature range for promoting growth and flowering in Fan Columbine is between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which often corresponds to spring and fall conditions.
PruningPruning Fan Columbine is necessary to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming, as well as to maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading, or cutting off the old blooms, should be done routinely throughout the blooming season. At the end of the growing season, cut back the foliage to the ground to help control pests and diseases and to keep the plant healthy. The best time for more substantial pruning is after flowering has ceased or in late fall before winter sets in.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Fan Columbine thrives in a well-draining soil mix with good organic matter content. A mix of loam, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite is ideal to improve drainage and aeration. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingFan Columbine does not need frequent repotting; it is typically done every 2-3 years. It's best to repot when you notice that the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil is depleted.
Humidity & MistingFan Columbine prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does well in typical outdoor humidity levels, and there is no special requirement for increasing humidity indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid dry air.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, mulch, and shelter from winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleAquilegia flabellata 'Georgia' (State Series), commonly known as the Georgia dwarf columbine, begins its life as a seed, typically requiring stratification or a cold period to break dormancy. Upon sprouting in early spring, it develops into a rosette of basal leaves. As it matures, the plant sends up flowering stems that bear its distinctive nodding, bell-shaped flowers with backward-pointing spurs, blooming from late spring into early summer. After pollination by birds or insects, the flowers develop into follicles containing many small black seeds, which mature by late summer. The plant may die back to the ground in the winter, remaining as a rootstock that will regrow the following spring. This perennial can also spread through rhizomes, forming clumps that enlarge with each growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Aquilegia flabellata 'Georgia', also known as Georgia Dwarf Columbine, is by seed. To propagate by seed, sow freshly harvested seeds directly into a fine, well-draining seed starting mix. Surface sow the seeds as they require light to germinate and gently press them into the soil, keeping them moist but not waterlogged. The ideal time for sowing is late winter to early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Place the container in a location with indirect sunlight and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (approximately 21°C). Germination can be slow and irregular, taking anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final location.
