Aquilegia caerulea , commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Columbine or Colorado Blue Columbine , is part of theAquilegiagenus within the Ranunculaceae family , which is known as the butter-flower or crowfoot family . This specie is distinguished by its showy , spurred peak , with the name “ caerulea ” indicate its down color , although the flowers can also appear in shades of white-hot , pinkish , and lavender . The genus name “ Aquilegia ” get from the Latin for “ eagle , ” as the spur resemble an eagle ’s claw .
Rocky Mountain Columbine is native to the Rocky Mountains of North America , specifically find in the states of Colorado , Idaho , Montana , Utah , Wyoming , and stretch forth into parts of New Mexico and South Dakota . It course come about in cragged region , often at elevations between 6,000 to 12,000 invertebrate foot , thriving in moist , well - drained soils in subject woodlands , meadows , and along streamsides .
Historically , Aquilegia caeruleahas been cherished for both its ravisher and cultural significance . It was specify as the Department of State prime of Colorado in 1899 , symbolizing the state ’s lifelike beauty and its slew heritage . Native American tribe used the industrial plant for medicative purposes , including treatments for feverishness and other ailments . Its popularity in gardening grew due to its ornamental value , with hybrids and cultivars developed for garden preferences . The efflorescence ’s frail appearance and the unparalleled shape of its bloom of youth have made it a favourite in both wild and cultivated landscape , often observe in art and literature .
This species suits USDA Hardiness zone 3 through 8 , reflect its adaptability to the cold wintertime and variable conditions of gamey - elevation environments . As for its life , Rocky Mountain Columbine is a curtly - survive perennial , typically last 3 to 5 yr in the garden , though it freely ego - seeds , ensuring its presence in subsequent seasons . Its natural habitat ’s harsh conditions might contribute to its relatively short lifespan in refinement , but with right care , it can persist and even naturalize in suitable garden options .
Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea): Characteristics
Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea): Cultivation
Site Selection
Choose a site with partial shade to full Dominicus , especially at small elevations where full sunlight can be vivid . It apprize some afternoon tincture in ardent climates .
Soil Preparation
Prefers well - drained , loamy land rich in constitutional subject . Amend heavy or sandlike territory with compost to meliorate both drainage and wet retention .
Planting
plant life in spring or fall . Sow seeds instantly or organ transplant seedlings , spacing them about 1 to 2 feet aside to allow for growth and aura circulation . Seeds benefit from cold stratification , mime winter conditions .
Watering
Water regularly after embed to demonstrate roots , specially if commence from seeds . Once established , it ’s somewhat drought - tolerant but perform secure with consistent moisture , particularly during blooming .
Mulching
Use a light level of constituent mulch to help keep on dirt wet , suppress weed , and provide nutrients as it decomposes . Keep mulch forth from the plant life ’s crown to foreclose rot .
Fertilization
Fertilize sparingly ; too much can conduct to lush leaf at the expense of flower . A light lotion of a balanced , slow - release plant food in early spring might be beneficial .
Pruning and Maintenance
Deadhead drop flush if you like to preclude ego - seeding or extend the blooming period , but allow for some seed heads for natural reseeding . hit any dead foliage in late twilight or other leaping .
Pest and Disease Management
mostly pest - immune , but look out for leafage miners , aphids , or fungal disease in overly moist conditions . in effect air circulation and avert overhead watering can foreclose most issues .
Propagation
Easily propagated by semen , which can be sow in capitulation or stratified for natural spring planting . sectionalization is less common but possible in spring , or take basal cuttings in belated winter or early leaping .
Winter Care
In its hardiness zones , no special winter caution is want as it ’s quite hardy . However , in cold zones or harsher winter , a Christ Within mulch can protect the source .
