Aquilegia Olympica, also known as the Olympic columbine, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. This plant is native to Turkey and can grow up to 60 cm in height. It is a perennial plant that blooms in spring and summer, producing bright blue flowers that are perfect for attracting pollinators.
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Taxonomic Information:
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Aquilegia |
Appearance:
The Aquilegia Olympica is a stunning plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall, with a spread of up to 30 cm. It has beautiful blue flowers that can grow up to 5 cm in diameter, with five petals that are slightly curved back. The foliage is also attractive, with deeply lobed leaves that are a bluish-green color. The flowers bloom in spring and summer, and the plant goes dormant in the winter.
Care Guide:
Aquilegia Olympica is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:
Water:
Water your Aquilegia Olympica regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization:
Fertilize your Aquilegia Olympica with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for best results.
Soil:
Plant your Aquilegia Olympica in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Sunlight:
Aquilegia Olympica prefers partial shade to full sun. In hot climates, it is best to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones:
Aquilegia Olympica is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases:
Aquilegia Olympica is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem, but these can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat:
Aquilegia Olympica is native to Turkey and can be found growing in rocky areas, meadows, and forests. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer:
Q: Can Aquilegia Olympica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Aquilegia Olympica can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Aquilegia Olympica?
A: You should fertilize your Aquilegia Olympica once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Aquilegia Olympica tolerate drought?
A: No, Aquilegia Olympica prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: When should I prune my Aquilegia Olympica?
A: You should prune your Aquilegia Olympica after it has finished blooming, cutting back any dead or damaged foliage.
Related Plants:
- Aquilegia canadensis
- Aquilegia caerulea
- Aquilegia chrysantha
- Aquilegia vulgaris
References:
- “Aquilegia Olympica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282361&isprofile=0&basic=aquilegia%20olympica.
- “Aquilegia Olympica.” Plant Delights Nursery. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/aquilegia-olympica.
- “Aquilegia Olympica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/63342/Aquilegia-Olympica/Details.
