Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis ‘Little Lanterns’)

Columbine

Features and Characteristics

Aquilegia canadensis is a Missouri native spring wildflower which occurs in rocky woods, slopes, ledges and open areas throughout the State. Features drooping, bell-like, 1-2″, red and yellow flowers (red sepals, yellow-limbed petals, 5 distinctive red spurs and a mass of bushy yellow stamens). Delicate, biternate foliage is somewhat suggestive of meadow rue (Thalictrum) and remains attractive throughout the summer as long as soils are kept moist. Flowers are quite attractive to hummingbirds.

Genus name comes from the Latin word for eagle in reference to the flower’s five spurs which purportedly resemble an eagle’s talon.

Specific epithet means of Canada or also of north-eastern North America.

‘Little Lanterns’ is a compact version of the species that grows to only 10” tall.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Wide range of soil tolerance as long as drainage is good. Prefers rich, moist soils in light to moderate shade. Freely self-seeds and will naturalize to form large colonies in optimum growing conditions. Remove flowering stems after bloom to encourage additional bloom. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prolong attractive foliage appearance. When foliage depreciates, plants may be cut to the ground.

‘Little Lanterns’ may be grown from seed, and will self-seed in the garden in optimum growing conditions.

Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis ‘Little Lanterns’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

This species has very good resistance to leaf miner which often causes severe damage to the foliage of many other columbine species and hybrids.

It is expected that ‘Little Lanterns’ will also have good resistance to leaf miner.

Uses

Borders, cottage gardens, open shade gardens, woodland gardens or naturalized areas. Also a good selection for a hummingbird garden. Continue to water plants after bloom to enjoy the ground cover effect of the attractive foliage.

Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis ‘Little Lanterns’) Details

Common name	Columbine
Botanical name	Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns'
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Ranunculaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Red/yellow
Flowering period	April - May
Height	0.75 to 1 ft.
Width	0.75 to 1 ft.