If you have a shady garden, as many of us do in Dallas, it can often be tough to find plants that put on a good show of blooms. If you’re paying attention right now, you’ll you may catch one of the best spring-blooming shade lovers in its full glory: Columbine.
Columbines, or Aquilegia spp., are one of my absolute favorite groups of plants. Their flowers are both dramatic and unique in appearance, and they are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. columbine foliage is ornate, delicate and makes a nice contrast with other plants in the garden. For those of you looking for color options for your shady garden, columbines are a must have.
While not all species of columbine thrive in our climate, there are several Texas native species that perform nicely. These natives, and their subsequent varieties and cultivars, all make for easy spring color and interest with little effort.
Red Columbine Aquilegia canadensis
This easy to grow species is known for its nodding red and yellow blooms. Flowers sport numerous yellow stamens that hang below the petals. Plants typically grow to about 2-feet tall. The spurs of this species, which contain the flower’s nectar, are small but still noticeable.
Golden Columbine Aquilegia chrysantha
Native to the Southwest, the golden columbine is probably the most vigorous of the native columbines. Plants bear masses of large, fragrant, long-spurred flowers in spring and early summer. Flowers are bright yellow and make a showy statement in the garden. Varieties of A. chrysantha have a long blooms period and can be deadheaded to encourage re-bloom. ‘Texas Gold’ and ‘Yellow Queen’ are two of the most commonly available cultivars of this species.
Hinckley’s Columbine Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana
A naturally occurring variety of Aquilegia chrysantha, this native is found growing in the Trans-Pecos mountain region of Texas. ‘Hinckleyana’ produces bright yellow blooms with shorter spurs than other A. chrysantha varieties and plants grow to 2-feet tall and about as wide. A. chrysantha var. ‘Chaplinei’, or Chapline’s columbine, is also another variety found growing native in Texas.
There are many other hybrids available, they just may not persist for as many years as the natives. Plant columbine in an area that receives afternoon shade or dappled sun throughout the day, as they will not tolerate full or afternoon Texas sun. The main factor in the success of your columbines is your soil quality and drainage. Columbine don’t like wet feet; good drainage will result in longer-lived plants.
