Red Columbine
One of my favorite flowers started blooming recently. I planted Red Columbine from seed several years ago. The first year they were really small, the second year they were larger and bloomed, and this year: Kaboom! They’ve taken over the flower bed.
Somewhere in there are my hostas. But who can argue with this kind of exuberance?
Columbine is a native wildflower, meaning it’s always been here and knows all about the dreadful winds we get. We’ve had 30 – 40 mile per hour winds now for days, and look how nice it still looks in spite of it.
I love how delicate the flowers look, but how impervious they are to our wind tunnel climate.
Native Americans used the seeds to treat headaches, kidney problems, sore throats, heart problems, and fever. Seeds were also used as an additive to tobacco, ceremonial medicine, and a perfume. Native American men when courting a lady used to crush the seeds, rub them on their hands, and then go shake the lady’s hand. It was thought the scent increased their chances of a favorable response.
So pretty and delicate in appearance, but tough, capable of curing illness and winning a lady.
My kind of garden plant.
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The Red Columbine in my garden that is a descendant of a plant my Grandmother had in her backyard when I was a child. If the original plant were still growing, it would be over 71 years old. I also have some Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, that was my mother’s, that is 61 years old. Both give me great pleasure when I see them and remember their original owners.
Oh wow, that’s so neat Elaine.
The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they LEAP!!! My sister taught me this and it sure holds true.
Glad to see them.
So true. Thanks Glenda.
Ladies, I am so jealous! It makes me so homesick but I live in the desert now. But I do have beautiful flowers all winter so it’s a trade off. Suzanne as usual you take stunning pictures. Thanks!
Thank you Tina!
I wonder if I can get those in New Zealand ? Looks like just what I need around here. Kerry
my Columbine this year, this spring, is just plain drop dead gorgeous, just as yours is. And the Bleeding Hearts.
Wow, they are so beautiful and sooooo big. I had no idea the plants got so big, mine here don’t. And they are not out yet either. But, you should see my bleeding hearts – red ones and white ones huge and beautiful.
I love the history on this flower…how wonderful! It is just so fascinating to think of the native american men doing this to win over a lady.
Beautiful pictures! Mine are nowhere near that nice and big.
What a lovely flower. Your photographs are so beautiful. I looks like it might be good for humming birds.
Hi Peggy,
The hummingbirds love it. They work those flowers all day.