columbine
Aquilegia (Songbird Series) 'Cardinal'
Overview
Aquilegia (Songbird Series) 'Cardinal' or Columbine is a stunning and delightful perennial. Its fragrant and vibrant flowers offer an exquisite contrast of colors. With its blooms in vivid shades of hot red and yellow and its deep-green toothed foliage, it is sure to be the highlight of any garden. The flowers are also ideal for cutting, allowing you to bring its beauty indoors. This plant is deer resistant, frost tolerant and the perfect pollinator haven. It is easy to grow, tolerates a range of soil types and is an excellent choice to add long-lasting color and beauty to your garden.
Care Guide
Watering
Columbine (Aquilegia (Songbird Series) 'Cardinal') should be watered about 1 inch of water per week, which can be done either by giving it a thorough soaking when you water it or by setting up a drip irrigation system on regular days. Columbine plants prefer evenly moist soil, but not waterlogged soil. Make sure to check the moisture level before watering. If the soil is still damp at the depth of your finger, then there is no need for additional water. Columbine plants should be watered more often during periods of extended hot and dry weather. Withholding water during droughts can cause wilting. In the winter, columbine plants only need occasional watering.
Light
Columbine (Aquilegia (Songbird Series) 'Cardinal') plants prefer full or part sun, depending on the climate in which they are grown. In cooler climates, it is best for them to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day; while in warmer areas, providing some afternoon shade (at least a few hours) can prevent the plants from becoming scorched in the intense heat. Water the Columbine plants in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out before nightfall, preventing fungal diseases that can occur when the moist foliage remains wet for long periods of time.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3–9.
Pruning
Columbine (Aquilegia (Songbird Series) 'Cardinal') should be pruned in the spring, just after the blooms fade. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage, or any stems that are crossing over 1 another. To encourage repeat blooming, prune back the spent flower stalks, leaving the healthier looking leaves and stems. Additionally, if the plant is getting too leggy, the plant can be cut down by about a third.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Division, Cutting
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Hummingbirds.
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