Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno 'Tower White')
Lovely Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno 'Tower White' Columbine offers double white spring blooms. Low maintenance, suitable for zones 3-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ is a highly desirable herbaceous perennial, celebrated for its elegant, fully double white blooms during the spring season. Known commonly as Columbine, this cultivar features shorter spurs than many traditional varieties, presenting a compact and refined appearance suitable for diverse garden settings. Its lacy, blue-green foliage provides excellent texture, persisting even after the floral show fades, offering sustained visual interest.
This specific variety, part of the Tower Series, is valued for its reliability and low maintenance requirements once established in optimal conditions. Growing to about two to two and a half feet tall, the Columbine forms a neat clump perfect for cottage borders or woodland margins. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its classic charm and its ability to thrive across a wide range of cool to temperate climates.
Offering excellent adaptability, Aquilegia vulgaris var. Flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ tolerates varying light conditions, though part shade often benefits its summer appearance. Its hardiness and ease of care make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking beautiful spring color without demanding constant attention.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Ranunculaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Columbine is best achieved in average, medium, well-drained soil. While this plant tolerates a wide range of soil types, it strongly dislikes heavy, poorly drained conditions. Aim for a location receiving full sun to light, moderate shade; richer soils coupled with slight shade encourage the most luxuriant growth for Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’.
Ongoing care is straightforward. Maintain uniformly moist soils, particularly after the spring bloom fades, to keep the foliage looking attractive longer into the season. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if planted in moderately rich soil. Pruning involves deadheading; remove flowering stems after the primary bloom surge to potentially encourage a small second flush of flowers.
If the foliage begins to depreciate significantly by mid-summer, you can cut the entire plant back to the ground; new, fresh leaves will emerge. While Aquilegia vulgaris var. Flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ may self-seed, be aware that cross-pollination with other Columbine varieties can lead to varied offspring.
Landscape Uses
The versatility of this Columbine makes it an excellent addition to many garden designs. Its upright, clumping habit is perfect for defining the middle ground in informal borders, providing structure before taller summer perennials take over. Furthermore, the suggested use for Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ includes naturalizing areas, allowing its delicate foliage and stunning spring display to spread gently over time.
Consider placing this white-flowering specimen in cottage gardens where its lacy texture blends beautifully with roses and peonies. It also fills gaps effectively in woodland gardens or open shade areas where its medium water needs align with neighboring plants. This Columbine is also noted as a good selection for attracting hummingbirds to the early spring garden.
For a dramatic effect, mass planting Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ creates a cloud of white during April and May. Continue watering plants even after they finish blooming to support the foliage, which acts as attractive ground cover throughout the rest of the growing season.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The plant known as Columbine, or Aquilegia vulgaris (also called European crowfoot or granny’s bonnet), is native to Europe but has naturalized in parts of eastern North America. This bushy perennial forms a mound with branching stems, noted for its spring bloom of flowers that, in this cultivar, are fully double and short-spurred. The genus name references the eagle due to the flower spurs resembling talons, while the common name Columbine derives from the Latin word for dove. The ‘Tower White’ variety showcases this double-flower structure, accompanied by lovely, lacy blue-green foliage.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
Columbine is susceptible to leaf miner, which creates meandering tunnels through the foliage. Aphids can sometimes present a minor issue, though they are generally less damaging. Gardeners should also monitor for potential fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust, often encouraged by high humidity or poor air circulation. Management involves preventative measures like ensuring good air flow and dealing with infestations immediately; when foliage declines by mid-summer, cutting the plant to the ground eliminates potential overwintering sites for pathogens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Columbine suitable for?
Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ is robust and suitable for cultivation within USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Columbine grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically achieves a height between 2 and 2.5 feet, with a moderate spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ need?
This plant performs best when situated where it receives full sun exposure, although it adapts well to part shade conditions, especially where summers are hot.
When does Columbine bloom?
You can expect the striking white, double flowers of Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ to appear primarily from April to May.
Conclusion
The Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ offers gardeners a low-maintenance perennial with exceptional spring beauty, highlighted by its dense, pure white double blossoms. Integrating this charming Columbine into your landscape brings texture and classic elegance, particularly welcome early in the season. Before planting, confirm that your garden conditions align with its needs for well-drained soil and adequate moisture across zones 3 to 8.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for Aquilegia vulgaris var. flore-pleno ‘Tower White’, consider plants that either tolerate similar light/moisture profiles or those that can fill in the space once the Columbine foliage declines. Early spring bulbs like Narcissus or Tulipa pair wonderfully beneath the developing foliage. For summer structure, consider planting later-blooming perennials such as hardy Geraniums or Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis), as these can help mask the foliage when it starts to look tired by mid-summer.
Propagation Tips
While established plants provide seeds, successful propagation of this specific cultivar often requires careful management. Aquilegia vulgaris var. Flore-pleno ‘Tower White’ may be grown from seed, but be aware that different Columbine varieties readily cross-pollinate, meaning collected seeds may not breed true to the parent plant. For guaranteed ‘Tower White’ characteristics, propagation via division of established clumps in early spring or fall is often more reliable, ensuring you maintain the desired double-flowered trait.
