Aquilegia (Columbine)

What is Special about Columbine Flowers?

Columbine flowers are special and valued by gardeners for several reasons:

• Unique flower shape: Columbine flowers are distinctively shaped, featuring long, backward-projecting spurs and upward-facing petals. This gives them an elegant and whimsical appearance, unlike any other flower.
• Color variety: Columbine flowers come in a wide array of colors, including blue, red, yellow, pink, and white. Some varieties have bi-colored or multi-colored blooms, which add visual interest to the garden.
• Attracts pollinators: The nectar-rich flowers of Columbine plants are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making them an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
• Shade tolerance: While many flowering plants require full sun to thrive, Columbines can tolerate partial shade, making them a versatile option for gardeners with less sunlit areas.
• Easy to grow: Columbine flowers are generally low-maintenance and adaptable to various soil types, making them suitable for novice gardeners. They are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
• Self-seeding: Columbine plants are known to self-seed, which means they drop their seeds and can grow new plants without human intervention. This allows them to naturalize and create a charming cottage-garden effect.
• Native species: Several Columbine species are native to North America, making them a valuable addition to native plant gardens and supporting local ecosystems.

Main Columbine Varieties

Aquilegia is a diverse genus with over 70 species and numerous hybrids and cultivars. Here are some of the main Columbine varieties:

• Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine): This species features nodding, spurred flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. The flowers may be single or double, with varieties like ‘Nora Barlow‘ having unique, double blossoms.
• Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern Red Columbine): Native to North America, this species has red and yellow tubular flowers with elongated spurs. It’s a favorite of hummingbirds and is more tolerant of heat and humidity than some other species.
• Aquilegia chrysantha (Golden Columbine): This species is native to the southwestern United States and features stunning yellow flowers. Varieties like ‘Denver Gold’ and ‘Yellow Queen‘ are popular for their large, showy blooms.
• Aquilegia caerulea (Rocky Mountain Columbine): As the state flower of Colorado, this species boasts lovely blue and white flowers. Notable cultivars include ‘Blue Star’, ‘Heavenly Blue’, and ‘Songbird Bluebird‘.
• Aquilegia flabellata (Fan Columbine): A compact species native to Japan, China, and Russia, it has blue, purple, or white flowers with short spurs. The ‘Nana’ variety is popular for its dwarf habit and large, upward-facing blooms.
• Aquilegia viridiflora (Green-flowered Columbine): This unique species features green flowers with purple or brown sepals. Its unusual coloration makes it a striking addition to the garden.
• Aquilegia formosa (Western Columbine): Another North American native, it has red and yellow flowers that are similar to those of A. canadensis but with shorter spurs.

In addition to these species, many hybrid Columbines are available, which offer a wide range of colors and forms. With so many varieties to choose from, you can find the perfect Columbine to suit your garden’s aesthetic and growing conditions. Find the perfect Columbine for your garden with our Plant Finder.

Garden Design with Columbine

Columbine flowers are versatile and can be easily incorporated into various garden designs due to their wide range of colors, sizes, and forms. Here are some tips for incorporating Columbine flowers into your garden design:

• Cottage gardens: Columbines are a quintessential cottage garden plant, with their delicate foliage and nodding spurred blooms. Plant them in groups among other classic cottage garden flowers like foxgloves, hollyhocks, and delphiniums for a charming, informal look.
• Woodland gardens: Many Columbine species are native to woodland settings, making them perfect for a woodland garden or a shaded border. Combine them with other shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, and bleeding hearts for a lush, layered effect.
• Rock gardens: Smaller Columbine species, such as Aquilegia flabellata ‘Nana’, are ideal for rock gardens, where their compact size and intricate flowers can be appreciated up close. Pair them with other alpine plants like sedums, sempervivums, and dwarf conifers.
• Pollinator gardens: Columbines are attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Incorporate them into a pollinator-friendly garden alongside other nectar-rich flowers like salvias, penstemons, and bee balm to support local wildlife.
• Mixed borders: Columbines can add height and texture to mixed borders. Plant them among other perennials like iris, peonies, and lupines for a stunning display of color and form.
• Containers: Some compact Columbine varieties can be grown in containers, either on their own or combined with a variety of perennials, annuals, and bulbs for an ever-changing display throughout the growing season.
• Naturalistic planting: Use Columbines in a naturalistic planting scheme by allowing them to self-seed and create drifts of color throughout the garden. This approach works well in wildflower meadows or informal spaces where a more relaxed look is desired.

Columbine Growing Tips

Growing Columbine can be a rewarding experience, as they are beautiful, unique flowers that are relatively low-maintenance. Here are some tips to help you grow healthy and vibrant Columbines:

• Planting location: Choose a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sun. In hot climates, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to protect the plants from excessive heat.
• Soil preparation: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve its fertility and drainage. Well-draining soil is crucial for healthy columbine growth. Columbines prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Planting: Sow seeds directly outdoors in fall or early spring, or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide a period of cold stratification (3-4 weeks at 40°F/4°C) for better germination. Space the plants about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart to ensure proper airflow and prevent overcrowding.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first growing season. Mature plants are somewhat drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering.
• Fertilizing: Columbines generally do not require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or top-dress the soil with compost in the spring to encourage healthy growth.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or compost, around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a stable soil temperature.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively.
• Disease and pest control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and leaf miners. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Practice proper sanitation and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew or root rot.
• Winter care: In colder climates, protect the plant’s crown with a layer of mulch or straw to insulate it from freezing temperatures.
• Dividing and transplanting: Columbines can be divided every few years to rejuvenate the plants and maintain their vigor. Divide and transplant them in early spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist.

By following these Columbine growing tips, you can enjoy the delightful presence of these unique and charming flowers in your garden.