Columbine Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell'
ABOUT
Hensol Harebell is a perennial plant known for its unique and enchanting flowers. The blossoms are often described as bonnet-shaped or spurred, capturing the imagination with their delicate appearance. Typically, the blooms have a range of color combinations, which can include hues of blue, purple, pink, or white. These are often accompanied by a contrasting palette of stamens and pistils, enhancing their visual appeal. The foliage of Hensol Harebell forms a mound of green leaves, which are known for their soft, ferny texture, and are often divided into rounded lobes, contributing to the plant's lush and full-bodied appearance. The leaves add a graceful backdrop to the striking flowers that rise above them. The airy and elegant quality of its flowers, held aloft on slender stems, creates a whimsical and romantic display that is commonly found swaying gently in the breeze. Hensol Harebell has a clump-forming habit, and when in bloom, the plant becomes a focal point in the garden thanks to its distinctive flowers and the gentle way they seem to float above the greenery. The overall impression created by Hensol Harebell is one of a lush and charming plant, with a fairy-tale like quality owing to its ethereal blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Hensol Harebell, Granny's Bonnet, Columbine
Common names
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Hensol Harebell'
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine, which is the common name for Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell', contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. The plant has been reported to contain cardiogenic toxins which can affect the heart if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of columbine poisoning may include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to heart palpitations and other cardiac complications. It is advised to avoid consuming any parts of the columbine plant due to its potential toxicity.
To pets
Columbine is potentially toxic to pets as well. Similar to its effects on humans, the plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, especially if large amounts are consumed, it can lead to cardiac complications. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the columbine plant to avoid possible poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Produces delicate, nodding flowers that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Garden Design: Suits various garden styles including cottage gardens, rockeries, and woodland settings.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Cold Hardy: Resilient to colder climates and can thrive in USDA zones 3 through 8.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest from spring to summer with its blooming period.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires minimal care once established, aside from occasional watering during prolonged droughts.
- Self-Sowing: Can self-seed in suitable conditions, potentially reducing the need for replanting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell' has distinctive, delicate flowers that make it an excellent subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in macro and nature photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: The plant's unique blooms can inspire artists and be featured in paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Fairy Gardens: The whimsical shape of the Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell' blooms is perfect for creating fairy gardens, enticing the imagination with a touch of fantasy.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators can use Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell' to teach students about plant morphology and pollination strategies of columbines.
- Theme Gardens: Gardeners can include this plant in Victorian or cottage-style theme gardens to provide an authentic historical ambiance.
- Wedding Decor: With its attractive flowers, the Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell' can be used in wedding bouquets or as part of table centerpieces for a natural look.
- Butterfly Attraction: The blooms of Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell' can attract butterflies, which adds an element of dynamic beauty to gardens and serves to support local butterfly populations.
- Crafting: Dried Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell' blooms can be used in crafting, such as for making bookmarks, pressed flower arrangements, or decorative wreaths.
- Culinary Garnish: While not widely used for culinary purposes, the flowers can potentially serve as an ornamental garnish for dishes, adding a splash of color and elegance.
- Creative Writing Prompt: The plant's enchanting appearance might inspire poets and writers, serving as a muse for creative writing, poems, and nature-inspired stories.
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 of Spirit: Aquilegia, also known as Columbine, has been linked to strong-willed spirit and resolve, given its ability to grow in challenging conditions and its sturdy, upright posture.
- Foolishness: In the language of flowers, Columbine was sometimes associated with foolishness, likely due to the playful shape of the flowers, which can be reminiscent of jesters' caps.
- Deserted Love: Traditionally, the Columbine flower has also been a symbol of deserted love, possibly because the flowers hang down, evoking an image of someone bowing their head in sorrow or rejection.
WaterColumbine (Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell') requires regular watering to maintain consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, you may need to water twice a week. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Ensure that the plant has well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
LightColumbine prefers a location with partial shade to dappled sunlight. The best spot for cultivating Columbine would offer morning sunlight and protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. This ensures the delicate foliage does not get scorched while still receiving sufficient light for optimal growth and blooming.
TemperatureColumbine thrives in temperate climates with temperatures ranging typically from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, making it suitable for cooler climates. The ideal temperature conditions are moderate and not too extreme, avoiding the hot extremes above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningColumbine benefits from deadheading to encourage additional blooms and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune off spent flowers right below the flower head after blooming. During late fall or early winter, cut the foliage back to the ground after it dies back. This routine will also help in preventing common fungal diseases that might affect the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbine (Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell') thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix includes garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to aid drainage.
RepottingColumbines, such as the 'Hensol Harebell,' generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current containers.
Humidity & MistingColumbine (Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell') prefers average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations as long as the plant is not in an extremely dry environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in part-shade, fertile, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell', more commonly known as Columbine, begins with seed germination, which occurs in late winter to early spring when temperatures are cool. The seedlings develop true leaves and establish a root system, transitioning into young plants that may take several weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions. As temperatures warm in spring to early summer, the plants enter a vegetative growth phase, producing a rosette of leaves close to the ground. Once the plant is mature enough and conditions are favorable, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces tall flowering stalks with delicate, nodding flowers attractive to pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop in follicles and, once mature, are released in late summer to fall to complete the cycle. Columbine is a perennial plant, so after setting seed, it goes into dormancy over the winter, with the foliage dying back, before resurfacing the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Aquilegia 'Hensol Harebell', commonly known as Granny's Bonnet or Columbine, is most commonly propagated through seed sowing. The best time to propagate Columbine through seeds is in the spring or early summer. To propagate by seed, one should begin by sowing the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix, as Columbine seeds require light to germinate. The seeds should be kept moist and placed in a bright area but out of direct sunlight. Seedlings usually emerge in about 30 days at a temperature of approximately 70°F (21°C). Once they have grown large enough to handle, the seedlings can be transplanted into pots or their final positions in the garden, ensuring they are spaced about 18 inches (about 45 cm) apart to allow for growth.
