Columbine Aquilegia 'Origami Yellow' (Origami Series)
ABOUT
Aquilegia 'Origami Yellow', commonly known as Columbine, is a perennial plant known for its distinctive flowers and attractive foliage. The blooms of this cultivar are a striking, soft yellow hue that bring a bright splash of color to gardens. The flowers have a unique, intricate structure, reminiscent of the folded paper crafts that inspire its series name, 'Origami'. Each flower features backward-pointing spurs and a series of overlapping petals that create a star-like appearance when viewed from above. These blossoms are carried high above the foliage on slender, upright stems that give the plant a delicate, graceful air. The foliage of the Columbine is equally appealing, with leaves that bear a blue-green color and have a lacy, fern-like texture. These leaves form a mound at the base of the plant from which the flower-bearing stems emerge. As the plant blooms, the foliage provides a lovely contrast to the bright yellow flowers, making 'Origami Yellow' Columbine a favored choice for ornamental use in garden beds and borders. The attractive combination of its signature blooms and ornamental leaves makes this variety of Columbine a cherished addition to many gardens, attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Beyond its visual appeal, the Columbine 'Origami Yellow' is also noted for its hardiness and relative ease of cultivation, often thriving in a variety of garden settings with appropriate care. The cheerful yellow flowers typically appear in the late spring to early summer, offering a prolonged period of bloom that enhances the seasonal interest of this plant. Overall, the Aquilegia 'Origami Yellow' is valued for both its exquisite form and its vibrant color, making it a highlight in any garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Yellow Columbine, Granny's Bonnet, Yellow Granny's Bonnet
Common names
Aquilegia 'Origami Yellow'
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine, including the Aquilegia 'Origami Yellow', has a level of toxicity if ingested. All parts of the columbine plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body when chewed or digested. Symptoms of poisoning can include mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and diarrhea. In more severe cases, consuming large quantities can lead to more serious toxicity, affecting the respiratory system and heart, potentially leading to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
To pets
Columbine is also toxic to pets, just as it is to humans. All parts of the columbine plant contain harmful compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by animals. Signs of columbine poisoning in pets might include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. As with humans, severe cases can result in respiratory paralysis or heart failure, particularly if a large amount is consumed. Pet owners should keep columbine plants out of reach from their animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers bright yellow flowers adding vibrant color to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Brings bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, aiding in pollination.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, suitable for novice gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides spring to early summer blooms, enhancing garden visual interest.
- Versatility: Suited for borders, pots, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, tolerates dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Resilient in cooler climates and able to survive frost and snow.
- Deer Resistant: Typically avoided by deer, making it ideal for gardens in prone areas.
- Long Bloom Period: Flowers for an extended period compared to many other perennials.
- Self-seeding: Capable of natural propagation, 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- Leaf Pressing: The uniquely shaped leaves of Columbine can be pressed and used in crafting projects such as creating nature-inspired artwork or bookmarks.
- Photography Subject: Due to its vibrant yellow flowers, the Columbine 'Origami Yellow' is a popular choice for photographers looking for a striking natural subject.
- Edible Decoration: The flowers of the Columbine are edible and can be used to add color and a mild, sweet flavor to salads or as an elegant garnish on desserts.
- Symbolic Gift: In Victorian times, the Columbine flower was associated with folly and was given as a gift to convey messages without words, a practice that can be creatively adopted today.
- Dye Making: Its petals can be used to create a natural yellow dye for fabrics or paper, though the color intensity may vary.
- Fairy Gardens: Miniature Columbine plants make an enchanting addition to fairy gardens, providing a whimsical touch to these tiny landscapes.
- Seed Art: Columbine seeds can be incorporated into art projects, such as mosaics or seed murals, for their unique shape and texture.
- Tea Parties: The whimsical flowers of the Columbine can be used to decorate tea party tables, adding a touch of elegance and springtime cheer.
- Floral Floats: Float Columbine flowers in a bowl of water as a simple and serene table centerpiece for weddings or formal events.
- Children's Crafts: The shape and structure of Columbine flowers and leaves offer a great opportunity for children to learn about plant anatomy while engaging in craft activities like making flower collages.
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 Courage: The common name for Aquilegia 'Origami Yellow' is Columbine. The flower's name is derived from the Latin word for eagle (Aquila), because the flower petals resemble an eagle's claw, suggesting the attributes of strength and courage.
- Wisdom: Columbine flowers are often associated with wisdom, due to their unique and intricate design, which can be interpreted as nature's intelligence at work.
- Foolishness: In Shakespearean times, the Columbine was considered a symbol of foolishness or folly, possibly because of its nodding head and the connotations of its common name with the commedia dell'arte character Columbina, who was portrayed as a foolish maid.
- Peace: The soft, gentle hues of the 'Origami Yellow' variety convey a sense of tranquility and peace, a common interpretation for many yellow flowers.
- Deserted Love or Inconstancy: In the language of flowers, known as floriography, the Columbine sometimes represents deserted love or inconstancy. This may be due to the shape of the flower's spurs and the ease with which it sheds its petals.
WaterColumbine should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Establishing plants require consistent moisture, so aim to provide at least 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. Deep watering is preferred to encourage deep root growth, which can be done by providing about 0.5 gallons of water per plant. During the hottest parts of the summer, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler temperatures or rainy seasons, watering frequency should be reduced to prevent overwatering and root rot.
LightColumbine prefers to grow in a location that offers full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would be one that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in areas with hot summer climates. In regions with milder summers, plants can tolerate full sun throughout the day. Proper light exposure ensures healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureColumbine thrives in a temperature range from about 50°F to 70°F and is quite hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F without damage. Ensure that the plant is not subjected to prolonged temperatures above this range, as extreme heat can stress the plant. Ideal growing conditions are cool to moderate temperatures, which promote healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Columbine is necessary to remove spent flowers and encourage additional blooms. Deadheading can be performed throughout the blooming season to maintain a tidy appearance and prompt more flowers. At the end of the flowering season, typically in late summer or early fall, cut back the foliage to a few inches above the soil level to promote healthy growth the following year. Pruning is also an opportunity to control the size and shape of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbine 'Origami Yellow' thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A suitable mix can be composed of garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to aid drainage and aeration.
RepottingColumbines, such as 'Origami Yellow', generally do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted when they outgrow their current pot or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & Misting'Origami Yellow' columbine prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions; it does not require a highly humid environment to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade; enrich soil with compost before planting.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleColumbine 'Origami Yellow' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, will germinate and develop into a seedling under appropriate moisture and temperature conditions. As it grows, the seedling will establish a root system and produce its first true leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it develops foliage and strengthens its stems. Transitioning into the flowering stage, the columbine produces distinctive yellow flowers with a unique spurred shape that are pollinated by bees, butterflies, or hummingbirds, leading to the set of seed-containing follicles. After pollination, the plant focuses on seed maturation, during which the seeds ripen within the follicles until they are ready for dispersal. The plant may undergo a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, where it dies back to the ground and survives as underground storage structures until favorable conditions return. The cycle is completed when the mature seeds are spread to a suitable growing substratum, beginning a new generation of the Columbine 'Origami Yellow'.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Columbine, specifically the Aquilegia 'Origami Yellow', can be propagated by seed fairly easily. The appropriate time to sow columbine seeds is after the danger of hard frost has passed in spring or even starting them indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. The most popular method is to sow them directly into the garden. To propagate by seed, distribute the seeds evenly over the soil bed, and then cover them with a very fine layer of soil since they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and you should observe seedlings usually within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the local growing conditions. It's important to note that the 'Origami' series may not come true from seed, as they are a selected cultivar, and seedlings may show variations from the parent plant.
