Aquilegia (Columbine)
at Digging Dog

Including Aquilegia vulgaris, Aquilegia fragrans, Aquilegia chrysantha, & Aquilegia buergeriana

Aquilegia

Columbine

This genus deserves its lofty names, which mean “eagle” and “dove,” because its intricate flowers have been said to resemble birds in flight. Beyond the symbolism of the flowers, the finely textured, widely varied species possess a gracefulness that is likely to carry you to heights of enjoyment. Whether delicate dwarfs or bold, long-spurred varieties, Columbines are characterized by fernlike three-lobed leaves. They are best suited for naturalizing in a semishaded woodland, but the smaller species will thrive in a rock garden with some shade.

Aquilegia buergeriana ‘Calimero’    

Dangling like delicate Japanese lanterns, the plum and soft yellow blossoms are topped with wispy, tapered spurs that curve inward. Like an ideal small-space ornament, this compact Aquilegia offers a demure mound of foliage and arresting colors.

Blooms May–mid-June.

Size: 8" high x 8"–10" wide; hardy to zone 6.

Aquilegia buergeriana ‘Calimero’ (P-0918)
Each $6.75
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Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’    

As if in flight, ‘Yellow Queen’s long outward-curving spurs trail behind its cheerful, bright yellow flowers. Soaring on tall slender stems above bushy and bluish green, fernlike foliage, the upfacing, fragrant blooms are good-sized and abundant. Owing its vigor and floriferous nature to its wild southwestern cousin, Aquilegia chrysantha, this cultivar makes a sunny partner for the lush purple leaves of Anthriscus ‘Ravenswing’.

Blooms April–May.

Size: 2-1/2' high x 15" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’ (p-1168)
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Aquilegia flabellata ‘Blue Angel’    

Promising plenty of nodding vivid blue-violet flowers brightened by white centers, this sturdy Columbine forms a tidy, low growing mound of deep green foliage. Nestled along a stone wall or garden path, ‘Blue Angel’ will bestow enchanting detail.

Blooms April–early June.

Size: 8" high x 10" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aquilegia flabellata ‘Blue Angel’ (p-1057)
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Aquilegia ‘Kristall’    

In the woodland garden, its lengthy stems display large, pure white long-spurred flowers. For a spirited combination of blue and white, try planting this elegant cultivar with Brunnera ‘Dawson’s White’.

Blooms April–May.

Size: 2' high x 15" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aquilegia ‘Kristall’ (P-0020)
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Aquilegia rockii    

Some 75 years ago, Joseph Rock gathered seed from this elegant beauty in China’s Szechwan kingdom. Elevated on stems that mimic a dancer’s grace, the pendant flowers are richly colored in deep lilac shades. White-edged corollas enhance the large, short-spurred blooms above a pleasing foliar mound.

Blooms May–June.

Size: 15"–20" high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 6.

Aquilegia rockii (p-1246)
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Aquilegia vulgaris ‘William Guiness’    

Highly ornamental, this sturdy perennial’s dark purple blossoms skirt white-white corollas. The dramatic contrast injects an element of surprise in the garden. Deeply incurved spurs stand sentinel over each nodding bloom, which rises 2 ft. on strong and lean stems from a leafy bluish green mound. Set this dark knight near the gilt foliage of Campanula ‘Dickson’s Gold’ for a captivating union.

Blooms May–June.

Size: 2' high x 15" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘William Guiness’ (P-1098)
Each $6.75
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Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Woodside Gold’    

We grew this unusual cultivar from seed, and its intensely golden springtime foliage gradually transmutes into light yellow summer garb, imparting a bright glow to darker garden corners. Gorgeous bicolored blue and rose blooms heighten the display while the deep greens of Pulmonaria ‘Benediction’ and Omphalodes ‘Joy Skies’ furnish an invigorating contrast.

Blooms April–May.

Size: 18"–2' high x 12"–15" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Woodside Gold’ (p-0917)
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