Aquilegia: Columbine
A playful flower for the spring garden that evokes images of alpine meadows and woodland treasures. When happy in the garden, columbine can reseed and to create a naturalized effect.
Plant care & info
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Aquilegia The genus name derives from the Latin aquila (eagle) and lego (together), suggesting that the curved nectaries or spurs resemble the closing talons of an eagle.
Common Name: Columbine. The common name appears to be rooted in the Latin columbinus (like a dove).
A genus of some 70 species. Widely distributed across the northern hemisphere in habitats ranging from shady woodlands to alpine meadows.
An adaptable genus, with species suitable for woodlands, rockeries, and perennial borders. The general preference is for a cool-winter climate and a place in half sun with cool, moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil.
As flowers fade, deadhead to lateral flower buds. Then cut old flowering stems to the ground when all flowering is finished. This prevents seeding, which may result in undesirable strains.
Deadheading can prolong bloom, particularly on young plants. Dead leafing keeps plants in good condition, but if severely affected by leaf miners or other pests, plants can be cut to the ground.
A fresh mound of foliage will develop from the pruning. The clean fresh mound of foliage can remain for the winter. If plants have leaf miner or other pests in the autumn, they should be cut down for the winter.
Clean up all debris from around the plant and destroy any or all pest-infested leaves.
Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer resistant. Cut flowers.
Aphids, leaf miner, slugs.
Rust, powdery mildew, fungal leaf spots.
Propagate by dividing the dormant rhizome. Seed germinates easily, and in most cases new plants flower within two seasons.
The native habitat of columbines is remarkably diverse. So is the range of flower colors and styles. Blooms can be cupped, bicolored pastel, or fluffy doubles in jewel tones. With the range of flowers and growing conditions, one is sure to find a columbine to fit their garden. Short-lived hybrid columbines require full sun or very light shade to provide stimulating flower displays. Species columbines do best in a light, moist, but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter.
Columbines have been popular for many years. The foliage is attractive and long lasting. The colorful flowers attract hummingbirds, which are simply mesmerizing in the garden. The flowers are distinctive, often bicolored, with hooked spurs, and are carried either singly or in panicles above the blue-green bottom leaves. Their airy texture combines well with fluffy border perennials such as Nepeta and Geranium, or in a cottage garden with Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum) and foxgloves (Digitalis). Alpine varieties are perfect components for rock gardens, containers and other well drained locations. They pair well with Dianthus, Armeria, Saxifrage and other rock garden treasures.
Explore More Columbine
Western Columbine
Aquilegia formosa: Western Columbine
This is our native Aquilegia. Read more about it in our native section.
Origami Blue and White
Aquilegia ‘Origami Blue and White’
One of the top sellers at the nursery. Classic crisp white and blue flowers in April and May. Grows 24-36″ tall and wide in full to part sun. Zones 3-8.
Little Lanterns
Aquilegia canadensis ‘Little Lanterns’
Terrific compact form growing 8″ tall and wide. Brick-red flowers with yellow center. Full sun to part shade. Zone 3.
Yellow Queen
Aquilegia Chrysantha ‘Yellow Queen’
Found in the Southern USA. Vigorous tall stems and large, bright yellow flowers with long, curved spurs that are slightly paler yellow in color.
Several cultivars are available, including long spurred form from Xera plants.
Height 32-36 inches, spread 12-32 inches.
Aquilegia Vulgaris
Aquilegia Vulgaris
This highly cultivated species is found over most of Europe. It has ferny foliage and flowers with hooked spurs in shades of blue, mauve, pink white and red. Double flowered forms do not have spurs. The straight species is seldom seen in gardens, but there are many cultivars. They grow in full to part sun 12-36 inches tall, and spread 8-18 inches. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Some of our favorite varieties include:
Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Black Barlow'(black columbine)
30″ tall 18″ wide. Good for cut flowers.
Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Clementine Series’
Compact, growing 12-18″ tall and wide. Double out facing flowers in blue, purple, red salmon and white.
Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Leprechaun Gold’
Stunning golden and marbled green foliage contrasts with deep purple flowers late April through May. Grows 24″ tall 18″ wide.
