Columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora 'Chocolate Soldier')
Aquilegia viridiflora 'Chocolate Soldier' Columbine is a compact perennial offering unusual, fragrant, chocolate-purple flowers. Low maintenance and deer resistant.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’, a variety of Columbine, is highly valued by gardeners for its unique and surprisingly fragrant blooms. This specific cultivar stands out with its unusual color combination: deep chocolate purple petals contrasted against lime green sepals, making it a delightful addition to shaded garden areas. It is a compact herbaceous perennial, perfect for areas where taller varieties might overwhelm the space.
This form of Columbine originates from East Asia and offers a low-maintenance structure, thriving in average soil conditions provided they drain well. Its modest size, rarely exceeding one foot in height and spread, allows it to integrate seamlessly into mixed borders or rock gardens where many other perennials struggle with height. The foliage remains attractive for much of the growing season if provided consistent moisture.
For gardeners seeking native-like charm combined with high visual interest, Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ delivers. The nodding, sweetly scented flowers appear in the spring, signaling warmer weather and providing early-season fragrance. Its resilience against common pests like rabbits and deer adds significant practical value to any landscape design.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Ranunculaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Chocolate purple petals and green sepals
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ should ideally be done in spring or fall in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil. While it tolerates full sun, especially in cooler climates, it performs best when sited where it receives light or dappled shade throughout the afternoon. The species appreciates deep, rich soils, so amending heavy clay areas with compost before planting will improve drainage and structure.
Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil uniformly moist, particularly through the bloom period and into the summer, which helps prolong the life of the attractive foliage. While generally low in need, avoid heavy, poorly drained soils which can cause root issues. Deadheading (removing flowering stems after they fade) is recommended to encourage a second, albeit smaller, flush of blooms.
By mid-summer, the foliage of this Columbine variety often begins to look tired or depreciate. When this occurs, do not hesitate to shear the entire plant back to the ground. This practice promotes new, fresh growth that acts effectively as ground cover for the remainder of the season. If ideal conditions are met, this plant may readily self-seed, gradually naturalizing in your garden area.
Landscape Uses
The compact stature of Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ makes it an excellent choice for the front of borders where its unusual blooms can be easily appreciated. It excels in rock gardens, softening hardscaping edges with its delicate foliage and unique flowers. Consider planting this low-growing Columbine in woodland margins or open shade gardens where it benefits from protection against the harshest afternoon sun.
Because of its nodding flower habit and delightful fragrance, using it near seating areas or pathways maximizes enjoyment of its qualities. Pair it with plants that share similar moisture and light requirements, such as Hostas, Hellebores, or woodland ferns. The attractive foliage remaining after flowering provides valuable ground cover, helping to suppress weeds near its base.
For a cottage garden aesthetic, intersperse the Columbine clumps among traditional spring bloomers, allowing the ‘Chocolate Soldier’ to emerge as later spring bulbs fade. Its ability to handle sun-dappled areas offers flexibility, blending well into transitional zones between full sun borders and deep shade woodlands.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aquilegia viridiflora, commonly known as green columbine, is a compact perennial that typically grows in a mound to only 12” tall. Its nodding, sweetly fragrant flowers feature unusual chocolate purple petals set against yellow-green sepals and distinct brown spurs. The genus name honors the eagle due to the flower spurs resembling talons, while the specific epithet refers to its green-flowered nature.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
This Columbine generally faces few serious insect or disease issues, which contributes to its low maintenance rating. Gardeners should remain vigilant for the leaf miner insect, which can leave noticeable trails on the leaves. Additionally, watch out for the columbine borer, which can damage the stems near the base. Be prepared to cut the foliage back to the ground around mid-summer when its appearance declines; this is normal, and consistent watering afterward supports healthy regrowth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Columbine suitable for?
Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ grow?
This sturdy perennial typically reaches a mature height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, with a similar spread of 0.75 to 1 foot wide.
When does Columbine bloom?
This variety of Columbine flowers in the spring, generally from April to May, showcasing its unique blooms featuring chocolate purple petals and green sepals.
What sun exposure does Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ need?
This plant performs best when positioned in an area receiving full sun or partial shade, making it versatile for various lighting conditions in the garden.
Conclusion
Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ offers gardeners a unique color palette and lovely spring fragrance in a compact, manageable package. Its deer and rabbit resistance combined with low maintenance requirements make this unique Columbine a reliable performer. Before planting, ensure your site offers well-drained soil and consider its partial shade preference to maximize the unusual beauty of the ‘Chocolate Soldier’ throughout the spring season.
Companion Planting
Choosing appropriate companions ensures that your Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ remains healthy and visually appealing all season. Since this Columbine prefers moist, rich soils and protection from intense afternoon sun, pair it with other shade-tolerant perennials. Hostas provide excellent contrasting foliage texture, especially their variegated forms, which brighten up shady corners. Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata) makes a beautiful groundcover that blooms concurrently or slightly earlier, thriving under similar conditions.
Propagation Tips
Growers can increase their stock of this fascinating Columbine variety through seed sowing, though it can also be propagated by division. While the plant may self-seed naturally, controlled propagation is best achieved in the spring or fall by carefully dividing established clumps. Ensure that each division retains a healthy portion of both roots and crown to reduce transplant shock. When growing Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ from seed, stratification may be necessary, mimicking the natural cold period it would experience in its native habitat.
