Columbine - Elegant Beauty For Your Perennial Flower Garden

The columbine is one of the prettiest flowers in the garden. Blooming occurs
in late spring through early summer, the long spurred flowers are the
most elegant flowers in the perennial flower garden. Aquilegia has been
hybridized liberally, so there are literally dozens upon dozens of varieties
available. In a seed catalog you will find many hybrids as well as some of the wild varieties.

The genus name, aquilegia, is derived from Latin origins and it means
"eagle", in reference to the long spurs on the flower. Most of the columbines
are of North American origin, all from the north temperate zone. Their wild
cousins inhabit virtually all of North America from woodlands to mountains.
The native wild columbines are also great additions to the perennial flower garden.

Columbines are best planted in partial shade, as they are of woodland origin.
Soil should be reasonably fertile. They won't do well in a sunny location
with hard packed soil. The Columbine is usually a fairly short lived
perennial, usually dying out in two to three years.

Propagation of Aquilegia is usually by seed. Most varieties will germinate
readily from seed, though they may take their time doing so. They will usually
bloom the season after they are started. You may also divide plants in early
spring. Divisions, if taken early enough and well started, should bloom
the same year.

The Columbine is an indispensable perennial plant for your flower garden.
Aquilegia has elegant flowers, sure to be an eye catching addition.