Find Nurseries, Explore Plants, Grow Your Garden
Plant Profile: Aquilegia canadensis
Wild Columbine is a native perennial herb that thrives in woodland environments, preferring shade to partial shade. It can reach heights of up to 3 feet and spread about 1.5 feet wide. The plant features attractive, deeply lobed leaves, and its striking red and yellow flowers bloom in early spring, lasting for approximately a month. These vibrant flowers are particularly appealing to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
While Wild Columbine favors partial shade, it can adapt to sunnier spots as long as there is sufficient moisture. It is versatile regarding soil types, provided they are well-drained. During the growing season, it’s important to keep the soil moist and avoid excessive fertilization, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of the plant's longevity. Wild Columbine is known to self-seed readily in gardens, typically flowering in its second year.
This plant is ideal for naturalized areas, shady garden borders, or native and pollinator gardens. After the flowering period, it also serves as an attractive ground cover.
In 1987, Wild Columbine was honored as the NC Wildflower of the Year, a recognition managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden with support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.
Regarding pests and diseases, this species demonstrates strong resistance to leaf miner infestations.
Columbine, Red Columbine, Wild Columbine
ah-kwih-LEE-jee-ah kan-ah-DEN-sis
Aquilegia chrysantha
Golden Columbine is a perennial wildflower found in the western United States and Mexico. This spring-blooming plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and produces flowers that are excellent for arrangements. Each flower features petals with distinctive backward-pointing spurs. It adapts well to various soil types and is resilient against damage from deer and rabbits. Pruning the flower stalks can promote additional blooms. While it can reseed itself in the garden, be cautious, as it may hybridize with other Columbine species if planted too closely together.
However, crown rot may develop in soils that do not drain well. Additionally, this plant struggles in the hot, humid summers typical of the southeastern regions. For those conditions, consider opting for Aquilegia canadensis instead.
Canary Columbine, Golden Columbine, Southwestern Yellow Columbine
ah-kwih-LEE-jee-ah kris-ANTH-uh
Tecoma capensis (Cape Honeysuckle)
Cape Honeysuckle is a semi-climbing vine known for its remarkable resilience to heat, drought, wind, and coastal environments. It tends to be quite vigorous and can spread rapidly. In regions with
Cape Honeysuckle
Tecoma \ capensis \ Bignoniaceae
Tecoma stans (Esperanza, Trumpetbush, Trumpetflower, Yellowbells, Yellow Bells, Yellow Elder, Yellow Trumpetbush, Yellow Trumpetflower)
The Yellow Trumpet Bush is a resilient, deciduous shrub with multiple stems, belonging to the begonia family. It generally reaches heights of 3 to 5 feet, although it can grow up to 9 feet under op
Esperanza, Trumpetbush, Trumpetflower, Yellowbells, Yellow Bells, Yellow Elder, Yellow Trumpetbush, Yellow Trumpetflower
Tecoma \ stans \ Bignoniaceae
Tephrosia virginiana (Goat's Rue, Virginia Goat's Rue)
Belonging to the pea family, this plant features stems that can either stand upright or spread out. It thrives in dry, open woodlands and is challenging to transplant successfully. The flowers rese
Goat's Rue, Virginia Goat's Rue
Tephrosia \ virginiana \ Fabaceae
Ternstroemia gymnanthera (Cleyera, False Japanese Cleyera)
This broadleaf evergreen features an upright to rounded oval shape and is tolerant of salt spray, making it an excellent choice for coastal regions of North Carolina. It thrives in full sun to part
Cleyera, False Japanese Cleyera
Ternstroemia \ gymnanthera \ Pentaphylacacaeae
Tetradium daniellii (Bee Bee Tree)
The Bee Bee Tree is a flowering species characterized by its rounded, umbrella-like shape. For optimal growth, it should be planted in full sunlight and in moist, fertile, well-drained soil, althou
Bee Bee Tree
Tetradium \ daniellii \ Rutaceae
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter. We deliver the best health related articles to your inbox