Golden columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) ak-will-EE-zsah kris-AN-thah Genus:  Aquilegia A. chrysantha is a vigorous grower that will add a real burst of color to any southern garden. This southwestern U.S. native has 3-inch yellow flowers in spring and reaches almost 3 feet tall. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Contact with sap may irritate skin. Care:  Provide part to full shade. Plants can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. This columbine is quite adaptable. Propagation:  Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or in spring. All columbines self seed profusely as well as hybridizing freely. Divide named cultivars in spring, although they are slow to recover since the rootstocks resent disturbance. Problems:  Susceptible to powdery mildew and rust in dry summers. Fungal leaf spots are also common, and Southern blight is sometimes a problem. Prone to aphids, leaf miners and caterpillars.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Flowers, Native, Self Seeds, Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer Flower Color Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Naturalizing Style Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials