Other Names:  Clematis-flowered Columbine, var. stellata

Description:

Exotic, dark purple (nearly-black) double flowers, the small spurless flowers are pompom shaped and resemble a small dahlia; this plant doesn't like to be disturbed so try spreading seed instead of dividing

Ornamental Features

Black Barlow Columbine features dainty nodding deep purple ball-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its ferny compound leaves remain bluish-green in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Black Barlow Columbine is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Black Barlow Columbine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Black Barlow Columbine will grow to be about 16 inches tall at maturity extending to 30 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 20 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! As this plant tends to go dormant in summer, it is best interplanted with late-season bloomers to hide the dying foliage.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.