Are all columbines equally attractive to hummers?

18 years ago

Hi. I was wondering if there are any particular columbines that hummers find more attractive than others?

I have a bunch of wild columbines seeds and was wondering if they would be more attractive than some of the other types?

Thanks

Maureen

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Comments (12)

helena_z8_ms
18 years ago
Hi Maureen, I'm sure they will check them out especially if their the wild ones. Aquilegia canadensis is the native columbine that blooms in spring, if you sow seeds now you'll have to wait till maybe next year for blooms.
Helena
irish_rose_grower
Original Author
18 years ago
Hi Helena. Thank you for answering my question :-)

I have some wild blue/purple seeds that I will ws, and I will post on the exchange forum to see if anyone has seeds of aquilegia canadensis. If not, I'll buy some and ws them. I don't mind waiting till next year for blooms.

Maureen
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helena_z8_ms
18 years ago
Hi Maureen, email me your addy and I'll send you some seeds of aqui. canandensis that I collected off my plant.
Helena
lianeny
18 years ago
Hi Maureen --

Like you, I've read that the native A. canadensis is definitely the favorite (with the added advantage of doing really well in shade!).

If you want to plant some of the other varieties, though, I've read that Hummers prefer Columbine with spurs. I don't know how accurate that information is (this will be the first year any of mine bloom) but perhaps someone with several varieties might be able to comment?

Good luck,

LianeNY
irish_rose_grower
Original Author
18 years ago
Helena, thank you for your generousity. I will gladly send you postage. Helena, I don't have your e-mail address. Mine is:

Maureenpm00@hotmail.com

Let me know where I should e-mail my address to.

Liane, thank you for your response. I will have to do a little research on the columbines with spurs. In the meantime, I'm going to ws some of these seeds that forum members have been kind enough to share with me.
helena_z8_ms
18 years ago
Hi Maureen, I'll email you. I see there's been some changes made that I wasn't aware of. My email used to be available when you clicked on the (page). Helena
penny1947
18 years ago
Maureen,
Yes the hummers do favor the native columbines over the hybrids. You will have to be patient with seeds b/c they sometimes take a long time to germinate. I found that mind germinated quicker by direct sowing during the summer. Then they ready to pop up the next spring but they will work with winter sowing. Sow them as soon as you receive them from Helena but be patient.

Penny
helena_z8_ms
18 years ago
I sent them today. I'll have to sow some too so we can compare notes. It might take a little while longer b/c of your cold weather in NY. Helena
helena_z8_ms
18 years ago
Seeds of native columbine I started on 1-12-06 inside under shop lights are starting to germinate (starting at just about 2 weeks). Seeds of native columbine I ws outside are not germinating. Helena
irish_rose_grower
Original Author
18 years ago
HI Helena. Thanks for the update...I haven't done anything yet with my ws'g. I'll shoot for next weekend, or one night this week. LIfe sure is busy with an 11 yr old :-)

Maureen
helena_z8_ms
18 years ago
Hi Maureen,

The seeds have been slow to germinate so I do believe that they'll do better with cold treatment. I know what you mean I care for my grandkids, but I been sown seeds a little each day.

Helena
penny1947
18 years ago
I still have seeds sprouting right now that I winter sowed last winter. You have to be patient with columbines.

Penny

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Are all columbines equally attractive to hummers?

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Are all columbines equally attractive to hummers?

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