Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H7
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
90cm | Max | 30cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Columbine
Columbine Overview
Aquilegia is a group of around 70 perennial species grown for their attractive bell-shaped flowers which have striking spurred petals. These are borne on long stems and they come in many colours - cultivated varieties in particular, are often bi- or multi-coloured. Distinctive bright green or blue-green leaves are divided into 2 or 3 lobes. Known also as Granny's Bonnet and Columbine, Aquilegia in the wild, are commonly found in meadow and woodland habitats at high altitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. They are therefore hardy and can tolerate some shade. Flowering in late spring and early summer, they add colour to a wide variety of garden situations. Under the right conditions, Aquilegias self-seed easily and can be seen growing in clumps and drifts in informal planting schemes such as cottage gardens. Small alpine varieties are also popular. Their preferences are for fertile, moist, well-drained soil; in full sun or partial shade. Alpine species require sharply drained growing media.
Common problems with Columbine
Leaf miners, sawflies and caterpillers may be a problem for some species/cultivars.
How to propagate Columbine
Seed
Division
Divide named cultivars in spring. But disturb roots as little as possible.
Special features of Columbine
Attractive flowers
Beautiful blooms
Attracts useful insects
Flowers - Sow Under Cover in September
Thinking ahead to next year - sow these seeds for early spring and summer colour.
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Thinking ahead to next year - sow these seeds for early spring and summer colour.
Explore all