Aquilegia, Hybrid Columbine 'Swallowtail'

Aquilegia

Family
Ranunculaceae (ra-nun-kew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus
Aquilegia (a-kwi-LEE-jee-a)
Synonym
Spacing
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Sun Exposure
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
Danger
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Hardiness
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Bloom Time
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Bloom Time
Bloom Color
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Other Details
Seed Collecting
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Fruit Shape
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Fruit Size
Bright Yellow
Fruit Colors
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Growing Habit
Herbaceous
Days to Maturity
Seed Type
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Disease Resistance
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Leaf Type
Foliage Color
Bloom Characteristics
Water Requirements
Perennials
Where to Grow
Other details
Propagation Methods
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Plant Size (check one)
Growing Habit
Growth Rate
Leaf Shape
Leaf Appearance
Degree to which the appearance is present
Leaf Texture (top)
Leaf Texture (bottom)
Leaf Color
Color of Leaf Margin
Leaf Substance
Number of Vein Pairs
Appearance of Margin
Margin Width
Flower Shape
Flower Fragrance
Does it set seed?
Flower Size
Flower Type
Blooming Habit
Foliage Habit
Color Patterns
Awards (if applicable)
Seed Type
Growth Habit
Days to Maturity
Awards (if applicable)
Non-patented
Bloom Shape
Other Details
Pruning Instructions
Kernel Color
Flower Shape
Flower Habit
Bloom Size
Color Pattern
Bloom Shape
Pruning Groups
Bloom Diameter
Heat (Pungency)
Fruit Shape
Fruit Size
Fruit Color
Disease Resistance
Seed Type
Flower Size
Size/Type
Flower Characteristics
Leaf Shape/Type
Leaf Texture
Leaf Color
Propagation
Pollination
Bearing Habit
Rootstock Vigor
Disease Resistance
Fruit Usage
Classification
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Canoga Park, California

Perris, California

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Eugene, Oregon

Grants Pass, Oregon

Lexington, South Carolina

Austin, Texas

Geronimo, Texas

Katy, Texas

Santaquin, Utah

Seattle, Washington

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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M
Evergreen Park, IL | May 2015 | positive

I love this plant! First saw a picture of in the newspaper some years ago when it was an All America selection. Sadly, they didn't come ...Read More

D
D
Austin, TX | August 2010 | positive

Swallowtail is by far my favorite Aquilegia to date. Not only does it produce uniquely beautiful flowers in abundance it produced flowers...Read More

C
Perris, CA (Zone 9a) | April 2006 | positive

This is the first year that I have had this plant. I planted it last Fall. The plant now has many, many blooms and more coming.
...Read More

B
Eugene, OR | May 2005 | positive

This is a real honey of a plant. It tolerates all-day hot sunshine. Its foliage stays green all summer. Its flowers are large and brig...Read More

K
K
L.A. (Canoga Park), CA (Zone 10a) | April 2005 | positive

This plant has its origin in an Arizona species and is heat-tolerant - for a columbine.

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