Aquilegia flabellata 'Blackcurrant Ice'

Aquilegia 'Blackcurrant Ice' Fan Columbine

Common Name: Fan Columbine

This true dwarf species of Columbine is compact and well-branched with blue-green foliage that is reportedly less prone to insect damage than other species. The bicolor, short spurred flowers have creamy yellow corollas enrobed in rich purple petals.

This smaller variety of columbine looks cute in spring containers and near the front of the landscape. It is especially lovely in rock gardens.

Columbine has excellent potential as a cut flower, lasting up to 2 weeks in a vase.

Height:

6.0-12.0 Inches

Spread:

9.0-12.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring Early Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Rock Garden Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Edging Mass Planting

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Columbine is easy to grow in loose, average to rich, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soils will hasten their demise. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade, though light shade will prolong the flowering time.

In the fall, cut plants back to their basal foliage. In the spring, remove only the dead leaves. Columbine is sometimes affected by leaf miners. If this happens, cut the foliage all the way back to the ground and discard it. Healthy, new growth will emerge quickly. Propagate by sowing named seed rather than by division; mature plants do not like to be disturbed.

Characteristics