Columbine Music Series Aquilegia Music Series
ABOUT
Music Series is a compact short-lived perennial to 45cm, with long-spurred flowers in shades of red, yellow, blue or white, often bicolored
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Granny's Bonnet, Columbine
Common names
Aquilegia Music Series.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators - The Aquilegia Music Series, commonly known as Columbine, is known for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.
- Easy to Grow - Columbines are generally low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Variety of Colors - The Music Series offers a range of flower colors, adding vibrant hues and visual interest to the landscape.
- Extended Blooming Period - Columbines bloom for several weeks from late spring to early summer, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Shade Tolerance - Columbines can grow well in partially shaded areas, providing gardeners with a flowering plant option for shaded parts of the garden.
- Cottage Garden Appeal - With their quaint, nodding flowers, Columbines are perfect for creating a classic cottage garden aesthetic.
- Resistant to Deer and Rabbits - Columbines are not a favorite of deer and rabbits, making them less likely to be eaten by these garden pests.
- Herbaceous Perennial - As a perennial, the Aquilegia Music Series will return each year, which can make gardening easier and more sustainable.
- Border Plant - Columbines work well as border plants, offering structure and a natural border look to garden beds and pathways.
- Container Gardening - Due to their compact size, Columbines are suitable for container gardening, ideal for balconies and patios.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Columbine flower petals can be used to add a splash of color to salads, as they are edible and have a sweet, nectar-like taste.
- The Aquilegia Music Series, with its diverse colors, can be used as a natural fabric dye for textiles and crafts.
- Pressing the delicate blooms of the Columbine in books can create beautiful botanical art used for scrapbooking or card making.
- The spurs of the Columbine's flowers can inspire creative garden-themed jewelry, like earrings and necklaces.
- Dried Columbine flowers can be included in potpourri mixtures, providing a subtle fragrance and attractive appearance in bowls and sachets.
- These flowers can serve as an artistic muse for painters and photographers, thanks to their unique shape and vibrant colors.
- Columbine seedpods can be used for ornamental purposes in dried flower arrangements or as part of decorative wreaths.
- Children can learn about plant biology and pollinators through hands-on gardening and observation of the Columbine's blooms and visiting insects.
- Columbine leaves and flowers can be used as a natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, degrading without harming the environment.
- The plant can provide a living lab for studying color pigmentation and hybridization in botany or genetics classes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Columbine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Columbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Determination and Strength: The Aquilegia, commonly known as Columbine, has the ability to grow in hardy conditions which symbolizes determination and the strength to thrive in challenging circumstances.
- Foolishness: In Victorian times, the columbine flower was associated with foolishness, perhaps due to its nodding head and the fact that its common name comes from the Latin word 'columbinus,' meaning 'dove-like' or 'foolish.'
- Self-improvement: Columbine plants often symbolize the pursuit of self-improvement and the desire to strive for better due to its unique and intricate flowers that set it apart from other flowers.
- Deserted Love: In the language of flowers, columbine may represent deserted love, possibly due to its solitary nature or its reputation in folklore and mythology.
- The Holy Spirit: Columbine's resemblance to a flock of doves was historically seen as an emblem of the Holy Spirit in Christian iconography, symbolizing purity, peace, and the presence of the divine.
WaterColumbines, including the Aquilegia Music Series, should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not soggy soil, particularly during their growing season in spring and early summer. It is best to water them deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant, depending on the weather and soil type. The exact amount can vary; during hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be needed. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease. Always check the top inch of soil before watering again; it should be dry to the touch.
LightColumbines thrive in locations with full sun to partial shade. Providing morning sun with afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, is optimal for the Aquilegia Music Series. They will bloom more abundantly with adequate light, though too much intense afternoon sun in hotter climates can stress the plants.
TemperatureColumbines are comfortable in a wide range of temperatures but prefer cooler conditions. The Aquilegia Music Series can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning the Aquilegia Music Series, commonly known as Columbine, involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and prevent self-seeding if desired. After blooming, cut back the foliage by one-third to refresh the plant. Pruning is typically done once the blooming period is over in the late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Columbine (Aquilegia Music Series) should be loose, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix incorporating equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite can provide the right conditions for the Columbine to thrive.
RepottingColumbines, including the Aquilegia Music Series, are generally not repotted often as they are perennial plants. They can remain in the same spot or pot for several years. Typically, they might only need repotting if the soil has become exhausted or if they have outgrown their current container, which could be every 3-4 years.
Humidity & MistingColumbines (Aquilegia Music Series) prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive best in outdoor garden environments where the natural humidity supports their growth, rather than requiring specific humidity controls.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light, with cool temperatures and moist soil.
Outdoor
Provide partial shade, cool moist soil, and protection from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for the Aquilegia Music Series is Columbine. The life cycle of Columbine begins with seed germination, which requires light and usually occurs in spring after stratification. Following germination, seedlings develop true leaves and establish a small rosette. As the plant matures, it develops a deep root system and foliage in preparation for flowering. Columbine blooms typically appear in late spring to early summer, showcasing delicate, nodding flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, seeds form and are eventually dispersed, completing the cycle as they lie dormant until the next suitable growing season for germination.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Aquilegia, commonly known as Columbine, particularly the Music Series, is typically propagated by seed. The best time for seed propagation is in spring after the danger of frost has passed, or seeds can be sown in the fall to allow for natural stratification. To propagate by seed, scatter the seeds on the surface of a well-draining soil mix and lightly press them into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Place the seed-starting container in a bright area but out of direct sunlight until germination, which can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle and after all threat of frost is past, they can be transplanted outdoors into the garden.
