- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Height 20 - 28 Inches
- Width 1.5 - 2 Feet
- Growing Zones 3-9
Reminiscent of the feathers of a blue jay, the violet blue and white uniquely shaped blooms of the Songbird Blue Jay Columbine will greet you with upturned faces as you walk in your garden. Unlike most columbines that nod facing downward, the Songbird series of Aquilegia face upwards. Sporting huge 3 inch blooms with bright yellow stamens, white petals with blue centers give way to violet blue outer petals that sport spurs on the back, creating an intriguing form as well as the beautiful clean colors. ‘If you’ve got it, flaunt it’ as the saying goes.
Columbines are native to the Northern Hemisphere and have naturalized in woodlands across the United States. They are hardy in Zones 3 to 9, which covers all but the very tip of southern Florida in the Lower 48 states. Success in growing columbine requires just a few steps and they are considered an easy care perennial. Bees, hummingbirds and butterflies are all attracted to the nectar in these beautiful flowers so they make a great addition to a wildlife garden. Although they tolerate full sun conditions, columbines will bloom just a little longer when given some afternoon shade.
Songbird Blue Jay Columbine Care
Native columbines grow in profusion in humus rich forest edge soils. Well-draining soil is the key to successfully growing these part sun to full sun perennials. Avoid soggy, heavy soils, and provide a light, moist rich growing medium. Once established, columbine will need little from you in the form of maintenance. Once the blooms are done for the fall, the plant can be cut back to the basal leaves. In the spring, remove any dead or yellowed leaves. Preferring a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.2, columbines will self sow freely when in the environment that meets their needs. Fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer at least once a season for best performance. Water regularly during dry weather and apply well composted organic material to keep the soil moist.
Deadheading is not required but you can remove spent blossoms if you do not want the plant to set seed and spread. They will bloom from spring to early summer, typically ceasing bloom during the extreme heat of summer. When planted in containers, be sure to water and fertilize on a regular schedule and don’t expect them to overwinter successfully in a container. Plant in your cottage or informal garden, massed in your landscape as a border or in your cut flower garden for a beautiful display.
Songbird Blue Jay Columbine Spacing
Growing to about 28 inches tall and 24 inches wide, columbine will appreciate when you space them about 18 to 24 inches apart. This gives air circulation and room to grow. Generally rabbit resistant, you can plant these lovely perennials in your woodland edge garden with great success.
Songbird Blue Jay Columbine Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 |
| Plant Type: Perennial |
| Sunlight Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
| Mature Height: 20 - 28 Inches |
| Mature Width: 1.5 - 2 Feet |
| Plant Spacing: 1.5 - 2 Feet |
| Growth Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Blue, Purple |
| Flower Shade: Purple-Blue Shades |
| Seasonal Interest: Early Summer Late Spring |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Resists: Rabbits |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance |
| Uses: Border Plant Container Cut Flower Mass Planting |
| Plant Brand: Proven Winners |
| Botanical/Scientific Name: Aquilegia Blue Jay |
- SKU:
- AQUBJ
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations