Granny's Bonnet Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'White Barlow' (Barlow Series) (d)
ABOUT
Columbine 'White Barlow', belonging to the Barlow Series, is a distinct perennial valued for its unique and eye-catching flowers. These blossoms are fully double with a multitude of layered petals, each showcasing a crisp, pure white color that can add an almost ethereal quality to any garden setting. The flowers bear a strong resemblance to small, intricate pom-poms or the ruffled petticoats of a dancer's costume, fluttering gracefully on the ends of the flower stems. The center of each flower is a subtle, contrasting hint of green or yellow, which often peeks out of the layers of white petals. The flower stem itself is slender and upright, supporting the weight of the bloom with an elegant poise. Surrounding the blossoms are the leaves, which have a soft and delicate appearance, typically a blue-green hue that beautifully complements the white of the flowers. Adding to the charming effect are the plant's gently curving stems, which give the impression of the blooms nodding or dancing in the breeze. As a cultivar of the native Columbine, 'White Barlow' exudes a cottage garden feel and can blend seamlessly with a variety of gardening styles, from formal to more naturalistic settings. Despite its delicate looks, this variety of Columbine is hardy and robust, capable of bringing its unique beauty to gardens season after season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Granny's Bonnet, Columbine.
Common names
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'White Barlow'
ToxicityTo humans
Columbine, specifically Aquilegia vulgaris, contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. Parts of the plant, including seeds and roots, contain cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can cause mild to moderate toxicity and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to respiratory difficulty, heart problems, and seizures. It's important to seek medical attention if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Columbine is also toxic to pets like cats and dogs. Similar to humans, the toxic components in the plant can cause gastrointestinal upset, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. In severe cases, more serious symptoms like heart issues, breathing difficulty, or seizures could occur. If you suspect your pet has ingested columbine, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Aquilegia vulgaris 'White Barlow' offers attractive, uniquely shaped white flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are a food source for bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Landscaping: This plant is suitable for borders, cottage gardens, and woodland plantings, offering landscape design flexibility.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an easy choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it tolerates periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: It is resistant to cold climates, allowing it to thrive in cooler regions without special care.
- Shade Tolerance: Can grow in partially shaded areas where other plants might struggle, offering solutions for less sunny garden spots.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a long season of blooms from late spring to early summer, providing lasting color in the garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Aquilegia vulgaris 'White Barlow' can serve as a stunning subject or backdrop for photographers, especially for macro or botanical-themed shoots.
- Ink Production: The petals of Aquilegia vulgaris 'White Barlow' can be used to create natural dyes for ink, due to their pigmentation.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the intricate form and color of the Columbine 'White Barlow' as a muse or reference for paintings, drawings, and other forms of artwork.
- Pressed Flower Crafts: The flowers are suitable for pressing and can later be used in making bookmarks, cards, and other decorative crafts.
- Educational Tools: Columbine 'White Barlow' can be used in botany and horticulture classes to teach about plant anatomy and pollination mechanisms.
- Garden Design: Can be used to demonstrate principles of garden design, such as color balance, texture contrast, and form in landscape architecture courses.
- Fragrance Extraction: Although not commonly used for this purpose, the subtle scent of the flowers might be incorporated into homemade potpourris or used in fragrance creation.
- Culinary Garnish: The edible blooms can add visual flair when used as a delicate garnish on desserts or salads.
- Bioindication: Might be used for scientific research in bioindication, indicating the health of an ecosystem based on the plant's presence and vigor.
- Seed Harvesting: Harvesting Columbine 'White Barlow' seeds could serve as an educational activity on seed collection and plant propagation techniques.
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: The common name for Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'White Barlow' from the Barlow Series is 'Columbine.' Columbines are known for their resiliency and ability to grow in challenging environments, symbolizing determination and the courage to overcome obstacles.
- Foolishness: In folklore, the unique shape of the columbine flowers was thought to resemble a court jester's cap, associating the plant with foolishness and a carefree spirit.
- Deserted Love: During the Victorian era, flowers were used to convey messages, and the columbine was sometimes a symbol of deserted love, possibly due to the nodding heads of the flowers suggesting a certain melancholy or abandonment.
WaterColumbine plants, including the 'White Barlow', thrive when their soil is kept evenly moist but not soggy. They should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist at a depth of at least an inch. During periods of drought or extreme heat, watering may need to increase to twice per week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. An average-sized Columbine might require approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, depending on the climate and soil conditions.
LightColumbines, such as 'White Barlow', perform best in locations that receive morning light and afternoon shade. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but require partial shade in hotter regions to prevent scorching. A spot that provides protection from the harsh midday sun will ensure the delicate foliage remains healthy.
TemperatureThe columbine 'White Barlow' prefers temperate conditions and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. Ideally, they flourish in environments where daytime temperatures range from 60°F to 70°F. While the plant is cold-hardy, extreme and sustained temperatures below the minimum can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning columbines such as 'White Barlow' after blooming helps stimulate new growth and can encourage a second bloom. Deadhead spent flowers to maintain plant appearance and prune back foliage in the fall after it has died back. Pruning in the late winter or early spring can also help remove any dead or damaged growth, preparing the plant for the new growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColumbines (Aquilegia vulgaris 'White Barlow') thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and perlite or vermiculite ensures proper drainage and nutrients.
RepottingColumbines rarely need repotting as they are often grown as biennials or short-lived perennials. They are best left undisturbed to self-seed.
Humidity & MistingColumbines prefer moderate humidity levels and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in their natural climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil with compost.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleColumbine 'White Barlow' (Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'White Barlow') begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown and after a period of stratification, germinates usually in spring. The seedling then develops into a rosette of foliage, with true leaves emerging that will photosynthesize to help establish the plant. Over time, the plant matures and develops a deep root system which helps it to overwinter and survive perennially. In subsequent years, typically in late spring to early summer, it develops tall flowering stems bearing the distinctive double, spurless, white flowers. After pollination, often by hummingbirds or bees, the flowers develop into fruit that contains many small seeds, which can be dispersed to perpetuate the life cycle. As a hardy perennial, once mature, it will die back to the ground in the fall and re-emerge from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Aquilegia vulgaris, commonly known as Columbine, can be propagated via seed sowing. The best time to sow Columbine seeds is in late winter to early spring. Seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Surface sow the seeds onto a soilless seed starting mix, as Columbine seeds need light to germinate. Press them gently into the mix but do not cover them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings emerge in about 30 days at 70°F (21°C). After danger of frost has passed, young plants can be acclimated to outdoor conditions and transplanted into the garden.
