Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’ (Golden Columbine)

Slightly fragrant, Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’ (Golden Columbine) is a vigorous, clump-forming perennial boasting masses of bright golden-yellow flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), with very long, outward curving spurs and a bouquet of yellow anthers. Held erect rather than nodding, they rise on long stems above the bushy foliage of divided and fern-like, mid-green leaves and bloom for weeks in late spring to early summer. Prized for its showy flowers and fine-textured foliage, Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’ is perfect for brightening dark corners of shade gardens. It is also most dramatic when cascading over a boulder or a wall.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Will self-seed readily in good garden soils if flowers are not deadheaded.
• Performs best in light to moderate shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Golden Columbine tolerates heat and can tolerate a considerable amount of sun. However, in full sun, it can become stressed, with faded leaves. Seriously dislikes poorly drained soils. May go dormant during drought, but minimal moisture and adequate shade can prevent this.
• It attracts bumblebees and butterflies, but is ignored by rabbits and deer!
• Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, shade gardens or naturalized areas. Makes good cut flowers!
• Keep an eye out for aphids, powder mildew, and downy mildew.
• May be grown from seed sown directly in the garden in spring (after the danger of frost has passed), late summer or early autumn.
• Remove flowering stems after bloom to promote additional bloom. Cut back after flowering.
• Contact with the sap may irritate the skin.