Columbine Aquilegia Songbird Series
ABOUT
The Aquilegia Songbird Series, commonly known as columbine, is a vibrant and ornamental plant well-known for its distinctive and attractive flowers. This series presents a range of flower colors, typically showcasing two-toned petals that combine hues such as blue and white, red and yellow, purple and white, among other combinations. The flowers possess an almost whimsical shape with a set of larger, rounded petals at the base and an overlay of contrasting, elongated spurs that extend gracefully backwards, giving the appearance of a hovering bird. The foliage of the columbine is equally lush and delicate, consisting of small, rounded leaves that are often divided into lobes or leaflets, creating a soft, tiered effect of greenery. The leaves can have a slight blue-green tint or be a deeper green, depending on the variety. The charm of the Songbird Series lies in its extended bloom time and the bouquet-like display of flowers that appear on slender stems, which seem to dance and sway with the gentlest breeze. The overall form of the plant is mounded, which makes it an attractive addition to garden borders, containers, and as a backdrop for lower-growing companions in a mixed bed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Columbine, Granny's Bonnet.
Common names
Aquilegia caerulea Songbird Series.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Aquilegia Songbird Series is Columbine. Columbine is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, all parts of the plant, particularly the seeds and roots, contain compounds that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. These compounds include cardiogenic toxins which can affect the heart. Symptoms of poisoning from columbine may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion could potentially lead to cardiac complications, though such extreme cases are rare.
To pets
The common name for Aquilegia Songbird Series is Columbine. Columbine is recognized as being potentially toxic to pets such as dogs and cats, although instances of poisoning are relatively uncommon. Similar to its effects on humans, the most toxic parts are the seeds and roots, but all parts of the plant contain harmful substances. The compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, more serious symptoms could occur, including cardiac issues, if significant amounts were ingested. Pet owners should monitor their animals and prevent them from consuming the plant.
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
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators - Aquilegia Songbird Series is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, benefiting the pollination of your garden and the wider ecosystem.
- Ornamental Appeal - Offers high ornamental value with its vibrant and colorful flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of any garden space.
- Easy to Grow - This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, making it ideal for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, it is quite tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy - Can survive in relatively cold climates, thereby broadening the range of areas where it can be successfully grown.
- Versatile - Suitable for planting in flower beds, borders, woodland gardens, and as part of naturalized planting schemes.
- Continuous Bloom - Offers a long blooming season, providing color and interest in the garden throughout spring and summer.
- Deer Resistant - Typically resistant to deer, which helps to prevent the plant from being eaten by wildlife in areas where deer are common.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Columbine (Aquilegia Songbird Series) can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, producing a variety of soft colors depending on the mordant used.
- Ink making hobbyists may utilize the petals of the Columbine as a botanical ingredient in making plant-based inks for art or calligraphy.
- The unique shape of the Columbine flowers makes them excellent floral subjects for photography enthusiasts and nature-inspired art projects.
- Crafters may dry Columbine flowers and incorporate them into homemade paper as decorative elements, offering a delicate, natural touch.
- Gardeners grow Columbine as companion plants to encourage beneficial insects and pollinators such as bees and butterflies into the garden.
- The use of Columbine in ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, where its distinctive blooms and foliage can add elegance and height.
- As part of a sensory garden, the diverse and bright flowers of the Columbine can contribute to the garden's overall sensory appeal through their visual beauty.
- Columbine seedlings and seeds can be gift items for gardening enthusiasts, serving as a unique addition to their collection of plants.
- With proper supervision, Columbine can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth cycles, pollination, and botany basics.
- They can be used in fantasy-themed gardens and fairy gardens due to their whimsical flower shapes, adding a touch of magic to the landscape design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Columbine, which is another name for the Aquilegia Songbird Series, is not traditionally used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Columbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: The name Aquilegia comes from the Latin word 'aquila', which means eagle. The eagle is a symbol of power and courage, reflecting the plant's representation of strength.
- Resolve: Known for its ability to grow in harsh conditions, Aquilegia—or columbine—symbolizes a person's determination to stand firm and succeed despite difficulties.
- Foolishness: In folklore, the columbine flower was associated with folly because of its nodding head and the fact that its petals look like court jesters' hats.
- Deserted Love: The columbine has been used historically to represent abandoned love, possibly stemming from its delicate and fleeting bloom.
- Spirituality: The unique shape of the columbine's flowers, which resembles doves around a fountain, can signify the Holy Spirit in Christian symbolism, representing purity and peace.
WaterColumbine, or the Aquilegia Songbird Series, should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to slightly dry out between waterings. The plant prefers consistently moist soil, so during dry spells or in especially hot climates, aim to provide about one inch of water per week. This can translate approximately into gallons depending on your soil type and weather conditions. Be cautious not to overwater, as Columbines do not like to sit in waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. Generally, water the plants early in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightThe Columbine thrives in partially shaded areas with morning sunlight and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in full, harsh afternoon sun in hot climates, which can scorch the leaves and stress the plant. The ideal spot for a Columbine is an eastern exposure garden where it receives gentler morning sunlight and is protected from the intense late-day sun.
TemperatureColumbine plants are hardy and can survive a range of temperatures, generally between 35°F and 85°F. The ideal temperature for Aquilegia Songbird Series is 60°F to 70°F. They can endure brief periods of colder winters, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 35°F may damage or kill the plant.
PruningPrune Columbine early in the season to remove dead or damaged foliage and promote healthy growth. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom in some varieties. Generally, a thorough cleanup after the blooming season helps to keep the plant tidy and may reduce the likelihood of disease. The best time for pruning is after flowering, which can vary depending on your climate but usually occurs in late summer or fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Columbine (Aquilegia Songbird Series) is well-draining, fertile soil with good organic matter. A blend of garden soil, compost, and a light amount of perlite or vermiculite is ideal. The preferred soil pH for Columbines is slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingColumbines (Aquilegia Songbird Series) are perennials that do not require frequent repotting. They can be repotted or divided every 3-4 years to rejuvenate the plant and manage its size.
Humidity & MistingColumbines (Aquilegia Songbird Series) prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to different conditions. They typically do well in the average humidity found in outdoor settings without any special requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Columbine in bright, indirect light and avoid dry air.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil, ensure drainage, mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Columbine (Aquilegia Songbird Series) begins with seed germination, which requires stratification, meaning the seeds must go through a cold period to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedlings grow and develop a rosette of leaves in their first year, concentrating on root and foliage growth rather than flowering. In the second year, the Columbine matures and sends up flowering stalks, which bear distinctive and attractive spurred flowers that can vary in color. After pollination, typically by hummingbirds or bees, the flowers form follicles containing black seeds that are dispersed by wind. The plant is a perennial, and after flowering, it will go dormant, dying back to the ground in winter. In subsequent years, the Columbine will regrow from the rootstock, repeating its growth, flowering, and seeding cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Aquilegia Songbird Series, commonly known as Columbine, is often propagated by seed. The optimal time for sowing seeds is late winter to early spring. To propagate Columbine by seed, one should start by sowing the seeds onto a moist seed starting mix, lightly covering them with soil. The seed trays or pots should then be placed in a cool location, as Columbine seeds require a period of stratification—a cold treatment—to break dormancy. This can be naturally achieved by placing them outdoors in winter or by artificial stratification in a refrigerator for about three to four weeks. Once the seeds begin to germinate, which might take a few weeks, they can be moved to a brighter area to encourage growth. Seedlings can be transplanted into the garden when they are large enough to handle and after the threat of frost has passed.
