Aquilegia is a large genus with many species and varieties. The flowers are known for their nectar-bearing spurs although some species are spurless. All species attract hummingbirds. The species A. caerulea is the state flower of Colorado. The roots and shoots of Columbine are highly toxic, but Native Americans did garnish their food with very small amounts of it as a flavor enhancer and to treat ulcers. It said to taste sweet.
Attract hummingbirds and butterflies with this dwarf columbine that is reported to be less susceptible to insect damage. Aquilegia 'Blackcurrant Ice' has blue green foliage with bicolor flowers of creamy yellow corollas that are draped with purple petals. 'Blackcurrant Ice' is great for container gardening and cut flower arrangements!
| Plant Types: | Perennial |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 6 inches to 1 foot |
| Width: | 9 inches to 1 foot |
| Zones: | 3a to 9b |
| Bloom Color: | Purple, Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Late spring, Early summer |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | Rabbit resistant |
| Shape: | Mounded |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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Plant seeds in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 5.8. Radicles should germinate in 2-3 days. Often times with Aquilegia, the flowers are left to fruit and produce seeds to allow for self-seeding.
Columbine are low maintenance plants.
Columbines flower in Spring and early Summer, generally within May and June.
Columbines are not fussy with soil type just as long as there is adequate drainage. The soil should be kept moist, but not totally saturated with water.
Should be fertilized at regular intervals.
Leaf miners can cause leaf damage. Over-watering can cause root rot and crown rot.