Alphabetical Plant Listing

Columbine: How to Grow and Care with Success

Aquilegia vulgaris, Aquilegia canadensis, Aquilegia chrysantha, Aquilegia caerulea, Aquilegia formosa


What is a Columbine Flower?

Aquilegia, commonly known as columbine, is a genus of approximately 60-70 species of perennial plants in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. These flowering plants are native to meadows and woodlands across the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in temperate climates.

Appearance: Columbine exhibits a clump-forming growth habit. The plants produce mounds of delicate, fern-like foliage at their base, which consists of compound leaves that are often lobed or divided. From these mounds, slender, erect stems emerge, reaching heights of 12-36 inches (30-90 cm), depending on the species and variety. In general, Aquilegia plants have a somewhat airy and graceful appearance, making them an attractive addition to various garden settings.

Flowers: Columbine flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer and come in a wide range of colors, including blue, red, pink, yellow, purple, and white. They can be nodding or facing outward and are held high above the foliage on the stems. The unique, spurred flowers have five petal-like sepals, five petals with elongated spurs, and numerous stamens and pistils.

Hardiness: Columbines are generally hardy plants that can tolerate a range of climatic conditions. Most species are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Deer/rabbit: Columbine plants are generally considered deer and rabbit resistant, although they are not completely immune to browsing by these animals.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aquilegia - Columbine
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Aquilegia - Columbine Great Plant Combination Ideas with Aquilegia - Columbine Guides with Aquilegia - Columbine

Gina Hsu/Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aquilegia - Columbine
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Aquilegia - Columbine Great Plant Combination Ideas with Aquilegia - Columbine Guides with Aquilegia - Columbine

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