Columbine ‘Texas Gold’

Aquilegia chrysantha hinckleyana

Characteristics

Culture

Best grown in organically rich, moist, sandy loams in light to moderate shade, Columbine ‘Texas Gold’ generally, tolerates a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained. This species tolerates heat and sun better than most other species in the genus, however. 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. Reseeds well in optimum growing conditions as long as flowers are not deadheaded.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plant Columbine ‘Texas Gold’ in an area that has excellent drainage and rich soil (lots of organic matter).  For clay soils, create a raised bed to avoid the roots sitting in a pool of water.   This columbine will do well under a deciduous tree where it will be shaded in the heat of summer, but receives some sunlight during the winter growing months.  ‘Texas Gold’ will do well if receives one inch a water (from irrigation or rain) every 7 to 10 days so the soil stays moist.  Apply a slow-release, high nitrogen fertilizer in October, December and February. Cut back dead growth. The Columbine will come back in the spring and can be propagated through division every couple years. 

Problems

Crown rot in poorly drained soils. Less susceptible to leaf miner than many of the other species of columbine. Spider mites and aphids may appear in hot and dry conditions. Plants may show stress and lose leaves when planted in too much sun in hot summer conditions. Foliage usually declines by mid-summer at which point it should be cut to the ground.

Garden Uses

Borders, cottage gardens, open shade gardens or naturalized areas. Columbine ‘Texas Gold’ is also a good selection for a hummingbird garden. Rock gardens.