Columbine (Aquilegia)
[ak-will-EE-jah]

Deciduous Perennial Upright, Clump-forming in the Ranunculaceae Family

About Columbines

Aquilegia is a genus of about 60–70 species of perennial plants that are found in meadows, woodlands, and at higher altitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere, known for the spurred petals of their flower.

Columbines are distinctive for their five-petaled flowers that have long, backward-extending spurs as pouch-like extensions of the petals, which contain nectar. Sepals and petals are brightly coloured. 

 
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 4 - 36 inches tall. 6 - 24 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Do not let dry out.
Zones 3a - 9b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Extended Bloom Time, Filler, For a Shady Spot, Formal Garden, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Beginners, Good for Borders, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Cut Flowers, Good for Mass Planting, Medium, Medium, Non-Allergenic, Normal Soil, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Prairie Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Tolerant of Clay Soil, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Tolerant of Sandy Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Woodland Garden
Bloom Period May - August
Flower Color Yellow, Blue, Violet, White, Pink, Red
Foliage Color Green
Animals That Use It

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More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

Carex pennsylvanica, Asaram canadense, Osmunda cinnamomea, Athyrium filix-femina and Polystichum acrostichoides.

Photos of This with...

Variegated Sweet Flag, Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard
 


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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


Estimated Recipe Cost

The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.


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