PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Serpentine columbine
Aquilegia eximia
IN THE GARDEN: Serpentine columbine is a dainty looking tough plant. It is a perennial that grows 2-3 feet tall and not widely available. Space 2'0" apart. The showy abundant dangling red flowers grace the plant Late spring through summer almost into fall. Perfect for attracting hummingbirds to sip on its nectar. As the name suggests it will grow well in serpentine soils but will also do well in other soil types as well. What it will need is a regular supply of moisture. Perfect for a meadow garden. Great companion plants are the cardinal monkey flower, Iris leaved rush, California hemp, and Stream orchid.
ECOLOGICAL VALUE: Attracts Birds. Deer Resistant.
NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: Endemic to California, they can be found in moist Coast Ranges (calscape.org).
AT THE NURSERY: We currently have 190 in D-16 containers which are $5.00 each.
