In this article, we'll explore detailed information about the columbine flower, including planting and care outdoors (photos). Cultivated throughout the world, this plant belongs to the buttercup family. It's easy to care for and distinguished by its exquisite beauty, delicate colors, and variety of varieties.
Important! This plant doesn't require winter shelter, which is a definite plus. Moreover, it doesn't require any special soil selection and can grow without much watering or attention from the owner. Also, pay attention to Fertile zodiac signs for sowing in 2015.
Varieties with descriptions
Growing just a flower Aquilegia will create incredibly beautiful flowering areas in your garden. Moreover, the flowers vary not only in color but also in shape and size.
The most common varieties are:
- McCann hybrids. The flower grows tall. The stems and buds point straight upward. Coloration can vary.
- Korolev. Delights with yellow or pinkish flowers. It blooms later than other varieties, but will bloom longer and much more profusely.
- A series of cultivars. The most popular inhabitant of our plots. The flowers come in a variety of colors, but always have a white center. The buds grow quite large for this type of flower: up to 10 cm. The plant can grow almost a meter in length.
- Biedermeier. Unlike the previous varieties, these plants are quite short: up to 30 cm. The flowers have a pleasant double texture and come in a variety of colors. They are also suitable for growing in pots.
- The Barlow cultivar is named after Charles Darwin's grandmother. The plant grows up to 80 cm tall, but its flowers are not very large. However, they have interestingly shaped petals: they are pointed and spur-like.
- Winky. This variety has a variety of flowers, but stands out for its early flowering.
Growing from seeds
Aquilegia: Planting and caring for it outdoors requires an initial choice of propagation method. This can be from seeds, cuttings, or division. Aquilegia is easiest to grow from seeds. They can be sown either in the spring or in the fall (then the plant will appear the following year).
In spring, seeds can be sown as early as April. The first shoots will appear within a month. However, plants grown from seed will not begin to bloom until their third year of growth.
Advice! If you want early flowering, plant seedlings in your garden. This way, the columbine can bloom as early as the following year after being planted outdoors.
As for soil composition, the plant is undemanding. However, if you're looking for the most comfortable conditions, a mixture of soil, turf, and sand is suitable. After planting, water the seeds through a sieve.
When the seedlings are developing, the soil should be kept moderately moist at all times. To maintain moisture, you can even place a transparent cloth over the seedlings. This will also prevent fungal diseases, but only if the soil is not overwatered.
Care Features
Aquilegia: planting and care Open ground (photo) is necessary for the flower to delight with bright and interesting buds. The soil, as noted above, can be any type. The only exception is heavy loam. Direct sunlight or light shade are also not a hindrance to proper growth and development. However, it should be noted that in bright sunlight, the buds will be small.
The planting hole should be deep enough: up to 20 cm. Drainage should be provided and the hole filled with fertilizer. Leave at least 30 cm between plants to prevent them from interfering with each other. The less sun they receive, the less frequently they need to be planted.
What is absolutely necessary:
- Loosening the soil;
- Regular weeding;
- Covering the plant with loose soil every year is essential. This is because in the spring, as the roots and stems absorb minerals from the soil, they begin to protrude unattractively;
- Moisten the soil. Not often, but regularly;
- You can fertilize at the very beginning of spring, and then again after flowering. Regular complex fertilizers are suitable;
- If the columbine blooms small and not brightly, then this is a sign that you can give the plant fertilizer during the flowering period;
- When the flowering process is over, the shoots can be cut off, leaving only a decorative rosette;
- If you need seeds, you'll need to harvest the columbine fruits. This should be done when the fruits turn brown;
Important! Aquilegia: Planting and caring for it outdoors (photo) in the same spot for seven or more years results in the plant losing its decorative appeal, and the flowers become very small. Furthermore, the bushes become sensitive to frost. So, once the flower reaches seven years of age, it's time to find a new location and replant it.
Interesting facts about columbine
This plant has different names in different regions. Common names include "dove" and "eagle." In American culture, this flower symbolizes female infidelity. In other cultures, the plant also has a negative reputation: it is associated with temptation and betrayal.
Aquilegia: planting and caring for it outdoors (photo) requires some knowledge. But overall, this plant is extremely easy to maintain and will produce flowers within 2-3 years of growth.
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