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| Spring flowering display of Swan columbine. (Photo by Igor Kamalov, LSU AgCenter) |
Swan columbine is a great cool-season bedding plant that most Louisianians should get to know. It was named a Louisiana Super Plant in fall 2011. Unlike most other columbine varieties, the Swan series is propagated by seed.
Many gardeners are familiar with columbines (Aquilegia), but the Swan series offers a several flower colors. Varieties in the Swan series are Blue White, Burgundy White, Pink Yellow, Red White, Rose White, Violet White, White and Yellow.
Columbine is a perennial, but we treat it as an annual in Louisiana. For the landscape, plant it in beds midfall through early winter for eight to 10 weeks of flowers starting in March.
Garden centers also sell columbines in full bloom in quart and gallon pots for instant patio color in spring.
Allen Owings
Rick Bogren