Ian Robertson, Ltd.
Plant of the Month
May
Aquilegia canadensis - Canadian Columbine
This lovely spring perennial is native to much of eastern North America. It displays its perky red and yellow nodding flowers for about six weeks, and although it is perhaps not as bold as some hybrid Columbines, this woodland plant provides a dose of lively color and a delightfully intricate flower form.
Canadian Columbine has a definite benefit over its hybrid cousins - it is far less susceptible to leaf miner damage. Although the pests will eventually start mining the leaves, they are slower to disfigure them.
Plant this Columbine in a moist, shady area. It will reseed and double the area you have planted within several years. Unwanted seedlings are easy to pull out.
Height: 2' - 3'
Spread: 1'
Zones: 3 to 8