Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)


Columbine Plant Features

The delightful, nodding flowers of columbine pop into bloom in early spring and keep flowering until mid-summer. A rugged perennial, columbine is an American native that thrives in partial to full shade. For a woodland plant, columbine is surprisingly drought resistant and tolerant of a wide range of soil types. In addition, hummingbirds love the nectar-rich flowers which come in a variety of colors and bi-colors. Columbine grows 12 to 18 inches tall. Hardy from zones 3-8.

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Columbine Growing Instructions

Plant columbine in a shaded or partially shaded location and mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture. Although columbine will handle drought, they still prefer a slightly moist garden bed. Columbine also works well in containers mixed with other woodland bloomers. Columbine is a relatively short-lived perennial so add new plants every few years for a consistent flower show. Some older varieties do self-sow, but newer hybrids generally won't spread in your garden.

Columbine is not intended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Part sun

    Outside: Shade

  • Colors

    Blue

    Pink

    White

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Deer/rabbit resistant


Complement your Columbine

Bleeding Heart
Enjoy a spring flower festival by teaming bleeding heart with columbine in a shady border or container.


Our favorite varieties

Bluebird Columbine

Bluebird Columbine

Aquilegia 'Bluebird'

Unlike older forms of columbine, the bicolor white-and-pale blue flowers of ‘Bluebird’ face upward so you can enjoy them better. The flowers are 3 inches in diameter.

Cameo Columbine

Cameo Columbine

Aquilegia 'Cameo'

The nectar-filled, blue-and-white flowers of ‘Cameo’ columbine are prized by hummingbirds and butterflies. It’s a compact variety that grows 18 inches tall.

Dwarf White Fan Columbine

Dwarf White Fan Columbine

Aquilegia flabellata 'Nana Alba'

Growing just 6 to 8 inches tall, dwarf white fan columbine is perfect the border edge or containers. The pure white blooms are produced on pretty blue-green foliage.