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Aquilegia x flabellata 'Cameo Mix' (Columbine) (4 Inch) is a charming perennial known for its delicate, multi-colored flowers and fern-like foliage. This variety adds a touch of elegance and color to garden beds, borders, and containers.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 12-18 inches with a spread of 12-15 inches. Its compact size and attractive blooms make it suitable for both small and large garden spaces.
- Sun Exposure: Prefers partial to full sun, with about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 3-9.
- Bloom Time: Blooms from late spring to early summer, featuring a mix of colors including pink, blue, white, and lavender. The unique flower shapes and colors attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the plant to the ground in late fall or early spring before new growth starts.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers. Prefers a location with well-draining soil and some shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil enriched with compost. Amend the soil if necessary to improve fertility and drainage.
- Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-15 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and to ensure good air circulation.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the growing season. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Fun Fact: Aquilegia x flabellata 'Cameo Mix' is known for its distinctive and whimsical flower shapes, which resemble the skirts of dancers. Columbines have been cultivated since the 16th century and were named after the Latin word for "dove" because of the flower's resemblance to a dove in flight. This variety's vibrant mix of colors and elegant form makes it a favorite for adding a touch of old-fashioned charm to any garden.