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Columbine - Wild - S1
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Columbine - Wild

Aquilegia canadensis
Its other name, Rock Bells, refers to its affinity for woodland ledge tops in the East. A true delight of spring, the elegant dangling blossoms have curving spurs holding sweet nectar that sustains hummingbirds and hawk moths early in the year when few other flowers bloom. Unlike modern hybrids, they are resistant to leaf miners and are self-seeding, adding an increasing flash of flame to partly-shaded woodland gardens and edges.
SKU #P3390

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Caution: Poisonous. The purchaser assumes all liability related to the use of this product.
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Details
Shipped As
Pot: 3.5" h x 2.63" w (9.5 fl oz)
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8
Mature Size
2-3' h x 6"-1' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, well-drained
Season
Spring to summer
Color
Red and yellow nodding bells with spurs.
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
Notable
RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow or barely cover.
Sprout Time:
15-60 days
Starting Indoors:
Stratify for 3 weeks at 35-40°F in late winter. To stratify, place seeds in dampened vermiculite or clean sand, enclose in a plastic bag and refrigerate. Eight to 10 weeks before last frost, remove pre-chilled seeds from refrigerator and sow. Cover with humidity dome and keep at 60-70°F. Transplant seedlings as they appear; anywhere from 2-8 weeks—be patient.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in fall or earliest spring, or wintersow into pots in the shade, covered with a thin layer of clean sand and a wire screen to keep out mice and voles. Check for moisture at regular intervals.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
At last frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Wild columbine attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds; its spring bloom makes it valuable as an early-season nectar source. It is also deer and rabbit resistant and grows well in the dappled sun of woodland edges, where it repels the attentions of deer and rabbits. Its nodding blooms are held by strong stems above lobed gray-green foliage. Cut flower stalks after bloom to encourage a rebloom, and trim foliage if needed for fresh growth. In their first year of growth, perennials bulk up roots and foliage, blooming more abundantly starting the second year. Self-sows. Caution: contains some toxic elements especially in the roots and foliage.
Final Spacing:
1'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Plants are somewhat drought tolerant but do best with evenly moist soil; about 1" of water per week, more in full sun.
Soil pH:
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a couple of inches of compost annually.
Diseases & Pests:
Less susceptible to leaf miners than garden columbines. Leaf miners damage leaves by chewing tunnels in the leaves. At first indication of damage, pick off the affected leaves and destroy or use sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis, a biological, to combat.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when 1/2 of the florets are open.