Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' – Radiant lemon-yellow columbine for your garden

The Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen', also known as the yellow columbine, is an impressive perennial garden plant that brightens gardens with its bright, lemon-yellow flowers. With their graceful, long spurs and elegant shape, these flowers are a real eye-catcher in borders, cottage gardens, and natural gardens. The combination of cheerful colors, hardiness, and nectar-rich flowers makes the Yellow Queen a favorite among gardeners and pollinators such as bees, bumblebees, and butterflies.

Characteristics of Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'

This cultivar immediately stands out with its pure yellow flowers, adding a ray of sunshine to any garden. The flowers appear from May to July and grow on stiff, highly branched stems, each bearing 5 to 15 flowers at its tips. It produces a lush, airy bloom that is visible from afar and attracts attention.

The foliage of the Yellow Queen is soft green, rounded, and often divided into two or three lobes, adding a fine texture to the border. The leaves remain attractive even after the flowering period, giving the plant decorative value all season long.

At a height of approximately 60 to 80 centimetres, this columbine fits perfectly in both the middle and back of the border, and forms a harmonious contrast with lower ground cover or other perennials.

Location and care

The Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' grows best in partial shade or a spot with moderate sunlight. It requires rich, humus-rich, and slightly moist soil, allowing it to flower optimally and maintain healthy foliage. Soil that is too wet or poorly drained can cause root problems, so a well-drained location is essential.

This columbine is winter-hardy, so you can enjoy its flowers for years to come. It requires little maintenance: removing old flowers encourages longer blooms and limits unwanted self-seeding. For profuse flowering, a light application of compost or organic fertilizer can be applied in spring.

Ecological value

The yellow flowers of the Yellow Queen are an important nectar source for various pollinators. Bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other insects are attracted to the lemon-yellow flowers. By combining this columbine with other nectar plants, such as Salvia, Lavender, or Campanula, you create a butterfly-friendly, biodiverse garden.

Garden design and combinations

The compact and elegant growth of the Yellow Queen makes it ideal for:

• Cottage gardens – romantic, loose borders

• Natural gardens – mixing wild flowers and herbs

• Borders – in the middle or at the back, for height and color contrast

Popular combinations include:

• Campanula persicifolia – airy, blue flowers

• Digitalis purpurea – height and vertical accents

• Geraniums – soft colours and ground cover

• Alchemilla mollis – soft green leaves as a contrast

These combinations create a lively, colorful border that appeals to both bees and people.

Benefits of Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'

Summary

Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' is a perennial, hardy columbine with brilliant yellow flowers that bloom from May to July. Its airy, branched stems bear multiple flowers per stem, creating a lush and striking display. The soft, lobed foliage remains attractive outside of the flowering season, and the plant grows best in partial shade or full sun in rich, humus-rich, and slightly moist soil.

This cultivar is perfect for cottage gardens, borders, and natural gardens, and its nectar-rich flowers attract countless pollinators. The Yellow Queen is not only a feast for the eyes but also a valuable addition to a biodiverse garden.