Contents
Description
Aquilegia Songbird Dove is a stunning perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is a hybrid that produces delicate, bi-colored flowers that are white with blue hues. This plant is a cross between the Aquilegia flabellata and Aquilegia canadensis. It grows up to 12-18 inches tall and 6-9 inches wide, making it a perfect addition to gardens, rockeries, and containers. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, and they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Aquilegia |
Appearance
The Aquilegia Songbird Dove has delicate, bi-colored flowers that are white with blue hues. The flowers are about 1.5-2 inches in diameter and bloom in late spring to early summer. The petals have a unique shape, with spurs at the end. The leaves are green and lobed, and they grow up to 6 inches long. The plant grows up to 12-18 inches tall and 6-9 inches wide. It has a clumping habit and produces many stems.
Care Guide
The Aquilegia Songbird Dove is an easy-to-care-for perennial plant. Here are some tips to help you grow it:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, especially in hot regions.
- Hardiness Zones: The Aquilegia Songbird Dove can grow in hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Aquilegia Songbird Dove is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
- Leaf miners: These pests create tunnels in the leaves, causing them to turn brown and die. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
The Aquilegia Songbird Dove is native to North America, specifically in the eastern and central regions. It prefers woodland areas, meadows, and rocky slopes. It can also grow in gardens, rockeries, and containers.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can I grow the Aquilegia Songbird Dove in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I water the Aquilegia Songbird Dove?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Aquilegia Songbird Dove?
A: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 3-8.
Q: How do I fertilize the Aquilegia Songbird Dove?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Aquilegia flabellata
- Aquilegia canadensis
- Aquilegia vulgaris
- Aquilegia chrysantha
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Aquilegia Songbird™ Series. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287523
- Nature Hills Nursery. (n.d.). Aquilegia Songbird Dove. Retrieved from https://www.naturehills.com/aquilegia-songbird-dove
- University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Aquilegia. Retrieved from https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=281&PlantTypeID=5
