Poisonous columbine doesn't like simplicity and monotony. Therefore, their spectrum of colors appears almost endless. But which type and variety is the right one, which one suits your taste?
Which columbine varieties are recommended?
Popular columbine varieties include 'Alaska', 'Florida', 'Crimson Star', 'Kristall', 'Maxi', 'Ruby Port', 'Clementine Red', 'Rose Barlow', 'Yellow Queen', 'Kansas', 'Georgia', 'Blue Star', 'Red Star', 'Chocolate Soldier', 'William Guiness', 'Black Barlow', 'Blue Barlow', 'Christa Barlow' and 'Pink Petticoat'.
Columbine species – an insight
There are around 70 species of columbine worldwide. The majority that stock the gardens in this country are the North American Columbine and the Common Columbine. The common columbine has violet-blue flowers and is widespread in Europe. The North American Columbine impresses with its blue-white flowers.
But other species can also be interesting for gardeners. The dwarf columbine is just 15 cm tall. A well-known variety is 'Ministar' with its deep blue flowers, whose white calyx tips shine through. Other types include the following:
- Black purple columbine
- Alpine Columbine
- Canadian wild columbine
- Snow Columbine
- Siberian Columbine
- Gold Columbine
- Corsican Columbine
- Red Columbine
- Small-flowered Columbine
- Spurless Columbine
Recommended long-spur varieties
Varieties that have long spurs and monochromatic flowers fit into any perennial bed:
- ‘Alaska’: white
- ‘Florida’: yellow
- ‘Crimson Star’: deep red
- ‘Crystal’: pure white (particularly large flowers)
- 'Maxi': yellow (spurs curved far outwards, tall)
- 'Ruby Port': dark red
- ‘Clementine Red’: red
- ‘Rose Barlow’: rose red
- ‘Yellow Queen’: golden yellow
If you're looking for something eye-catching, you'll find it in the two-tone flowering varieties:
- ‘Kansas’: yellow and red
- ‘Georgia’: red and white
- ‘Blue Star’: light blue and white (large flowers)
- 'Red Star': crimson and white (long spurs)
- ‘Chocolate Soldier’: greenish-yellow and reddish-brown
- ‘William Guinness’: black purple and white
Recommended filled varieties
Not every gardener likes the double varieties. But if you like them, these varieties are the right choice for you:
- ‘Black Barlow’: black purple
- ‘Blue Barlow’: blue-purple
- ‘Christa Barlow’: dark blue with white lace
- ‘Pink Petticoat’: pink, semi-filled
Tips & Tricks
Since columbines have delicate flowers and they look extremely delicate on the thin stems, the plants look best when isolated next to other perennials when they are in bloom. They appear less attractive in groups.
