Product Description
Aquilegia EARLYBIRD™ Purple Blue ('PAS1258487') (30)ct Flat
EARLYBIRD Series
Common Name: Columbine
A series of early flowering Columbine from Kieft Seed. Wine purple flowers with indigo blue centers.
Aquilegia is especially lovely when allowed to naturalize in shady, woodland borders. They also have excellent potential as cut flowers, lasting up to 2 weeks in a vase.
Columbine is easy to grow in loose, average to rich, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soils will hasten their demise. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade, though light shade will prolong the flowering time. In the fall, cut plants back to their basal foliage.
In the spring, remove only the dead leaves. Columbine is sometimes affected by leaf miners. If this happens, cut the foliage all the way back to the ground and discard it. Healthy, new growth will emerge quickly. Propagate by sowing named seed rather than by division; mature plants do not like to be disturbed.
Height: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-blue shades, Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Part Shade
Average to Consistent Water
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring, Early Summer
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Native to North America
Aquilegia EARLYBIRD Purple Blue, also known as Columbine, is a beautiful perennial plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Here is what you need to know:
Appearance:
- It features unique, downward-facing flowers with a mix of vibrant purple and sky blue hues. The flowers have distinctive spurs that extend from the back, resembling a shooting star. The plant has delicate, lacy foliage that complements the blooms.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moist soil.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for zones 3-8.
- Bloom Time: Flowers in late spring to early summer.
Care:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Pruning: Cut back foliage after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance.
Uses:
- Ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and woodland gardens.
- Excellent for cut flower arrangements.
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Additional Notes:
- Aquilegia is deer and rabbit resistant.
- It can self-seed in the garden.
- Consider planting it alongside other spring-blooming perennials like peonies and irises.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance, eye-catching plant to add to your garden, the Aquilegia EARLYBIRD Purple Blue is an excellent choice!
Additional Details:
- Planting: Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants about 1-2 feet apart.
- Propagation: Can be propagated by division or seed.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest and disease resistant, but watch for aphids and powdery mildew.
- Varieties: There are many different Aquilegia varieties available, with a wide range of colors and flower shapes.
- Symbolism: Aquilegia is also known as Columbine, which is derived from the Latin word "columba" meaning dove. The flower's shape is said to resemble a group of doves clustered together.
Fun Facts:
- Aquilegia is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
- The genus name "Aquilegia" comes from the Latin word "aquila" meaning eagle, referring to the flower's spurred petals that resemble an eagle's talons.
- Aquilegia has been cultivated for centuries and is native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
With its unique beauty and easy care, Aquilegia EARLYBIRD Purple Blue is a must-have for any garden!
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
