How to Grow Claret Cup
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Claret Cup
Aquilegia skinneri
flowerClaret Cup is a stunning perennial columbine with distinctive tubular flowers that display deep red outer sepals and yellow inner petals, creating a striking two-tone effect. Native to Mexico and Central America, this elegant plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to gardens. It grows 24-36 inches tall and blooms from late spring through summer.
When should you plant Claret Cup in your zone?
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Example Claret Cup timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Claret Cup
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Claret Cup blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Claret Cup dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9, with best performance in zones 7-8
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Seed Germination
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons visible, requiring consistent moisture and indirect light
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F), high humidity, and keep soil surface moist. Provide bright indirect light. Germination takes 14-21 days.
Seedling to Young Plant
4-6 weeksTrue leaves develop, plants grow to 2-4 inches tall with delicate foliage
Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Begin fertilizing biweekly with diluted fertilizer. Thin crowded seedlings.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems and divided, fern-like foliage; reaches 12-18 inches
Water regularly and maintain consistent moisture. Stake taller varieties if needed. Pinch tips to encourage bushier growth.
Flowering
8-10 weeksDistinctive red and yellow tubular flowers appear on tall stems, attracting hummingbirds
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; use bloom-promoting formula. Keep consistent moisture.
Seed Production & Senescence
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and elongated seed pods develop; foliage may decline in summer heat
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired. Cut back damaged foliage. Provide afternoon shade and consistent water in hot climates.
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use miticide if severe
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Remove affected leaves, use neem oil or insecticidal soap
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and
Remove debris, apply beer traps, use slug bait or copper barriers
Uses
Ornamental Edible Flowers
CulinaryClaret Cup flowers are edible with a slightly sweet flavor and are used as stunning garnishes for salads, desserts, and cocktails. The tubular petals add visual interest and mild flavor to culinary presentations. [source]
Hummingbird Magnet
WildlifeThe tubular shape and abundant nectar of Claret Cup flowers make it irresistible to hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. Planting this species significantly increases hummingbird activity in gardens. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe striking red and yellow flowers have excellent vase life (7-10 days) and create dramatic focal points in fresh flower arrangements and bouquets. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalColumbine species have been used traditionally in herbal medicine for various purposes, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Historically used as a remedy in Native American and traditional Mexican herbalism. [source]
Dried Flower Craft
CraftFlowers and seed pods can be dried and used in floral arrangements, crafts, and decorative displays, maintaining color well when air-dried. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when blooms have just fully opened. Cut stems at an angle and immediately place in cool water. For seed collection, allow flower pods to dry on plant until papery, then collect and store in cool, dry location.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Claret Cup is a hybrid columbine, created by crossing Aquilegia chrysantha and Aquilegia skinneri, resulting in its distinctive red and gold coloring
- 🌱 The unusual tubular flowers with backward-curving spurs were specifically adapted by hummingbirds over millions of years, and hummingbirds pollinate Claret Cup more effectively than bees
- 🌱 In Victorian times, columbines were known as 'grandmother's bonnet' because of the distinctive spurred shape, and different colored varieties symbolized different emotions
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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