Developed explicitly for its large colorful blooms, this AAS Award winner first became available in the 1950s. A striking choice for any gardener who loves the distinctive columbine shaped flowers.
McKana Giant columbines were developed specifically for their large, striking blooms and many colors; this AAS Award winner first became available in the 1950s. The name "columbine" is derived from the Latin "columba," or dove, since an upside down columbine bloom looks like a circle of doves around a fountain. The Latin genus name "Aquilegia" means "eagle," a reference to the spikes on the back of the flower that resemble an eagle's talons. These unique hollow spurs on the blossoms contain an abundance of nectar, though only hummingbirds and other long-tongued feeders such as the hawk moth can reach it. Ruby-throated hummingbirds especially love this plant. Its natural habitats are woodland areas, rocky slopes, or along streams.The 'McKana Giant' Columbine Mix is loaded with nodding, bi-colored flowers that bloom over delicate, fern-like foliage. Expect vibrant color combinations and visits from pollinators in late spring to early summer from these easy to grow plants. Foliage remains lush and healthy throughout the season, after flowers fade. Deer and rabbit resistant. (Aquilegia)These are the garden columbines. Like the Russell Lupines and other definitive groups of perennials, the McKana Columbines have never been surpassed. With clear, bright-colored flowers, these are sizable plants, growing up to 32" or more. Their show in the garden can be truly spectacular. These famous flowers were bred by combining both the North American native columbines with others from abroad. The McKanas include the famous all-red Crimson Star, a major hummingbird plant, and some of the unique fully-double hybrids. The Wild Columbines Many people think columbines are the loveliest flowers of all, and they are certainly important in the wildflower world. Many important species are North American natives. Everyone in the Northeast loves the Wild Eastern Columbine, the beautiful smallish red one, Aquilegia canadensis, and of course, everyone in the Rockies loves the State Flower of Colorado, the large, blue Colorado Columbine, A. caerulea. There are important species native to Europe and Japan as well.Sowing: Direct sow in early fall, sowing the seed just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing after the last frost. The seed can also be started indoors, planted just below the surface of a flat and kept at a temperature of 60-65 degrees F until germination; keep the soil lightly moist.Growing: Plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade; this flower appreciates being shielded from the midday sun. Keep the seedlings watered and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate some dryness, but should be watered in the heat of summer. Hot and humid weather may cause the plant to wilt, since this plant prefers cool weather and can survive light frosts. Flowers planted from seed will bloom in their second year of growth. After blooming, the foliage will die off. Established plants can be divided, though they will self sow readily; volunteer plants can easily be transplanted. Deadhead the wilted blossoms if new plants are not wanted. These flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees and resists deer. Its natural growth in rocky areas makes it a good choice for rock gardens.Harvesting: Columbine makes a lovely cut flower. Choose blossoms that have just opened for the longest vase life. Keep in mind that this plant can be toxic and should not be ingested.Seed Saving: Keep in mind that this plant will cross pollinate easily with other varieties of columbine. Watch the maturing seed pods carefully, since they will open and expose their seed when fully ripe. Shake the open pods into a container to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to two years.Common Name McKana Giant Columbine Mix Botanical Name Aquilegia hybrida Mckana Giant Mix Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Light Requirements Full Sun, Half Sun / Half Shade Flower Color Mixed Flower Size 1-2" flowers Mature Height 24-36" tall Estimated Mature Spread 12-18" wide Growth Rate Medium Bloom Time Late spring to early summer Planting Depth Plant so that the top of the root is 1" below the soil line. Ships As Bare Root Foliage Compact mound of ferny light-green foliage. Soil Type Loamy Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Moist/Wet Soil Soil Moisture Moist / Wet, Well Draining Advantages Attract Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant, Plants For Small Spaces Ideal Region Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest Planting Time Spring / Summer, Fall Neonicotinoid Free Yes - Learn More Poisonous or Toxic to Animals Poisonous if ingested.
McKana Giant columbines were developed specifically for their large, striking blooms and many colors; this AAS Award winner first became available in the 1950s. The name "columbine" is derived from the Latin "columba," or dove, since an upside down columbine bloom looks like a circle of doves around a fountain. The Latin genus name "Aquilegia" means "eagle," a reference to the spikes on the back of the flower that resemble an eagle's talons. These unique hollow spurs on the blossoms contain an abundance of nectar, though only hummingbirds and other long-tongued feeders such as the hawk moth can reach it. Ruby-throated hummingbirds especially love this plant. Its natural habitats are woodland areas, rocky slopes, or along streams.The 'McKana Giant' Columbine Mix is loaded with nodding, bi-colored flowers that bloom over delicate, fern-like foliage. Expect vibrant color combinations and visits from pollinators in late spring to early summer from these easy to grow plants. Foliage remains lush and healthy throughout the season, after flowers fade. Deer and rabbit resistant. (Aquilegia)These are the garden columbines. Like the Russell Lupines and other definitive groups of perennials, the McKana Columbines have never been surpassed. With clear, bright-colored flowers, these are sizable plants, growing up to 32" or more. Their show in the garden can be truly spectacular. These famous flowers were bred by combining both the North American native columbines with others from abroad. The McKanas include the famous all-red Crimson Star, a major hummingbird plant, and some of the unique fully-double hybrids. The Wild Columbines Many people think columbines are the loveliest flowers of all, and they are certainly important in the wildflower world. Many important species are North American natives. Everyone in the Northeast loves the Wild Eastern Columbine, the beautiful smallish red one, Aquilegia canadensis, and of course, everyone in the Rockies loves the State Flower of Colorado, the large, blue Colorado Columbine, A. caerulea. There are important species native to Europe and Japan as well.Sowing: Direct sow in early fall, sowing the seed just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing after the last frost. The seed can also be started indoors, planted just below the surface of a flat and kept at a temperature of 60-65 degrees F until germination; keep the soil lightly moist.Growing: Plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade; this flower appreciates being shielded from the midday sun. Keep the seedlings watered and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate some dryness, but should be watered in the heat of summer. Hot and humid weather may cause the plant to wilt, since this plant prefers cool weather and can survive light frosts. Flowers planted from seed will bloom in their second year of growth. After blooming, the foliage will die off. Established plants can be divided, though they will self sow readily; volunteer plants can easily be transplanted. Deadhead the wilted blossoms if new plants are not wanted. These flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees and resists deer. Its natural growth in rocky areas makes it a good choice for rock gardens.Harvesting: Columbine makes a lovely cut flower. Choose blossoms that have just opened for the longest vase life. Keep in mind that this plant can be toxic and should not be ingested.Seed Saving: Keep in mind that this plant will cross pollinate easily with other varieties of columbine. Watch the maturing seed pods carefully, since they will open and expose their seed when fully ripe. Shake the open pods into a container to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to two years.Common Name McKana Giant Columbine Mix Botanical Name Aquilegia hybrida Mckana Giant Mix Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Light Requirements Full Sun, Half Sun / Half Shade Flower Color Mixed Flower Size 1-2" flowers Mature Height 24-36" tall Estimated Mature Spread 12-18" wide Growth Rate Medium Bloom Time Late spring to early summer Planting Depth Plant so that the top of the root is 1" below the soil line. Ships As Bare Root Foliage Compact mound of ferny light-green foliage. Soil Type Loamy Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Moist/Wet Soil Soil Moisture Moist / Wet, Well Draining Advantages Attract Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant, Plants For Small Spaces Ideal Region Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest Planting Time Spring / Summer, Fall Neonicotinoid Free Yes - Learn More Poisonous or Toxic to Animals Poisonous if ingested.