Columbine ‘Kirigami™ Deep Blue and White’

Aquilegia caerulea ‘Kirigami^™ Deep Blue and White’

Characteristics

Culture

Columbine ‘Kirigami™ Deep Blue and White’ is easily grown in average, evenly moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils except heavy, poorly-drained ones. Prefers organically rich, moist soils with light to moderate shade. 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.

It should be noted that seed collected from garden plants or self-seeded plants may not come true because different varieties of columbine may cross-pollinate in the garden producing seed that is at variance with either or both parents.  Avoid heavy or soggy soils–drainage is key! Columbine ‘Kirigami™ Deep Blue and White’ 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.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Aquilegia is a genus of about 70 species of herbaceous perennials from the Northern Hemisphere.  Genus name comes from the Latin word for eagle in reference to the flower’s five spurs which purportedly resemble an eagle’s talon. 

Columbine ‘Kirigami™ Deep Blue and White’ is a charming plant that boasts a profusion of long-spurred dark indigo blue and white flowers. Blooms profusely in late spring to early summer.  The blossoms are upward-facing and rise above deeply-cut green foliage. Kirigami is a vigorous performer with sturdy upright stems and a bushy habit.  Excellent for both the landscape and containers. Flowers last well in cut arrangements.

Problems

Susceptible to leaf miner. Contact with sap may irritate skin.

Garden Uses

Borders, rock gardens, 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 foliage.