Thursday, 21 August 2014

FFF144 - COLUMBINE

Aquilegia (common names: Granny's Bonnet or Columbine) is a genus of about 60-70 species of perennial plants in the Ranunculaceae family, that are found in meadows, woodlands, and at higher altitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere, known for the spurred petals of their flowers.

The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word for eagle (aquila), because the shape of the flower petals, which are said to resemble an eagle's claw. The common name "columbine" comes from the Latin for "dove", due to the resemblance of the inverted flower to five doves clustered together.

Columbine is a hardy perennial, which propagates by seed. It will grow to a height of 30-60 cm. It will grow in full sun; however, it prefers growing in partial shade and well drained soil, and is able to tolerate average soils and dry soil conditions. Columbine is rated at hardiness zone 3 in the USA so does not require mulching or protection in the winter.

Large numbers of hybrids are available for the garden, since the British A. vulgaris was joined by other European and North American varieties. Aquilegia species are very interfertile, and will self-sow. Some varieties are short-lived so are better treated as biennials. Several hybrid cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so!
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12 comments:

  1. Intelliblog21 August 2014 at 06:57

    It's Daffodil Day in Australia on Friday 22 August. Please donate generously to fund cancer research and to help cancer sufferers.

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  2. Tom21 August 2014 at 07:30

    Columbine are a favorite...leaf miner and all. Happy Daffodil Day, I will have to wait 6 months. Tom The Backroads Traveller

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  3. Anonymous21 August 2014 at 08:41

    Lovely flower!

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  4. Zauberpalme21 August 2014 at 09:56

    The columbine is a very pretty flower. Lovely! Thank you for hosting. Happy FFF!

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  5. Anonymous21 August 2014 at 11:30

    Wonder if my comment got through - the colombine has one of the most delicate shapes. Have seen them in white and purple around in California, but not yet in red!

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  6. Sara Chapman21 August 2014 at 21:00

    Thank you so much for the info. I especially like knowing the eagle and dove roots of the names. Nice, and great photo, as usual.

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  7. fim.works21 August 2014 at 23:52

    You've done a great shot!
    Hugs, Frauke

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  8. IRIS LEONHARDT _ // SKULPTUR22 August 2014 at 00:18

    Thanks for sharing this beauty. Greetings to you. Iris

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  9. LindyLouMac22 August 2014 at 05:28

    Beautiful composition, I have not joined in this meme for a long long time, lovely to be back today!

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  10. Ni de Aqui, Ni de Alla22 August 2014 at 09:41

    Pretty picture! I bought one plant on the sale rack when it was done blooming, so I can't wait for spring to see it's flowers! I also bought some seeds. Hopefully I get to share this type of flowers next year.

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  11. cedarmerefarm25 August 2014 at 18:51

    Columbine does exceptionally well in my garden. What I like best about them is that they send me a few "gifts" every year at random places. Every year, I look for the new comers. It's fun. You are right about them preferring a little shade. The ones in partial shade are so much taller. I like the colors of your Columbine. I should locate one next spring.

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  12. NatureFootstep31 August 2014 at 05:12

    columbines are always welcome. :)

    Re question of Linnea flower. Yes. probably named after Linneaus.

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