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Columbine - Wild 'Pink Lanterns'
Seed Packet

Columbine - Wild 'Pink Lanterns'

Aquilegia canadensis
The Latin name of this beloved wildflower is from Aquila, an eagle, and Columba, a dove, describing a flower shape akin to a "pidgeon with expanded wings," according to a very early garden scribe. We love the whimsy of the dangling flowers in innocent hues of blush pink and primrose yellow. Bees seek it out, for it is an early nectar source, blooming at the dawning of spring.
SKU #S1764
Caution: Poisonous. The purchaser assumes all liability related to the use of this product.
$5.00
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
42
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8
Mature Size
2' h x 6"-1' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, well-drained
Season
Spring to summer
Color
Pastel pink and ivory dangling bells on sprays.
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
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 grows well in the dappled sun of woodland edges, where it avoids the attentions of deer and rabbits. This selection is short and sweet, combining baby pink and butter yellow in its nodding blooms above lobed gray-green foliage. Cut flower stalks after bloom to encourage a rebloom, and trim foliage if needed for fresh growth. A host plant to a butterfly and moth species. 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.