Re: columbine
- Subject: Re: [SG] columbine
- From: C* P*
- Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 13:27:40 EDT
In a message dated 6/2/01 2:43:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time, mtalt@CLARK.NET
writes:
<< As far as I know, Gail, you're right. They will all cross. A.
canadensis will even cross with the hybrids. If you grow it in mixed
areas, after several years, you'll find the true species no longer
exists...at least that's what happened to me...had to go out and buy
some new ones to start over as I would hate to be without it. >>
Marge and others,
I find Aquliegia canadensis does not cross polinate. It does produce huge
amounts of seed and is very long lived. In fact, I have been unable to
remove it without a shovel when It seeds into areas where not wanted.
Aquliegia canadensis is a native of the eastern US and is found in tall rangy
plants and small compact plants. All grow in poor dry soil and require good
drainage. I think all Aquilegia will succeed for several years only if
excellent drainage is provided. Aquiliegia canadensis is not affected by the
leaf miner that is seen on most of the others. This insect does not kill the
plants, just disfigures them.
Marge, if you need some new seed, say the word. I collect A. canadensis for
the seed exhange (NARGS) each year excluding any tall rangy plants ( flowers
cut off). This aquilegia is best grown in a large drift or patch where the
less spectacular color forms a pleasant mass of red. They bloom for a long
time and the foliage remains all season. The plants are forming seed pods
now.
All of my other plants are locally called "Granny's Bonnets" and bloom in a
dark blue, pinks and very seldom a white. Whatever you plant here they all
end up as "Granny' s Bonnets". One would need to take more care than I do to
keep colors pure and the various species and hybrids isolated from each
other. All do best in dryish soil, good drainage.
Claire Peplowski
NYS z4
