Nodding, intricately spurred flowers in blues, purples and pinks dance above ferny grey-green foliage in spring. A charming, self-seeding cottage perennial; seeds and roots are toxic if eaten.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 70 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Columbine
Botanically, Aquilegia vulgaris is a moderate-growing perennial in the Ranunculaceae family. It reaches around 70 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Purple, blue and pink flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Columbine
Columbine suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Columbine does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Columbine does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Columbine after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Columbine in the garden
Columbine earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, cut flowers for the vase and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Combine Columbine with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Columbine
Plant Sale lists Columbine as potted plants and seed. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Columbine seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
