Aquilegia

( ak - qui - LEEJ - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Columbine or Granny's Bonnet, this genus is comprised of flowering perennials that need full sun or light shade and regular water to perform and bloom well. The distinctly spurred, colorful flowers will attract birds and butterflies into the yard. Columbine are well-suited to woodland gardens and grow to reach between 2 inches and 4 feet tall at maturity. Foliage can be green, blue-green or grey-green depending on the species grown. Flowers come in many different sizes, forms and colors and bloom in spring and early summertime. They have a clump-forming growth habit, making them perfect for wildflower, pollinator, and informal gardens. Plant Columbine in mixed beds and borders, along walkways, or in containers. Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Aquilegia Species and Varietals

The genus Aquilegia is a member of the plant family Ranunculaceae and includes between 60 and 70 species. The genus name is derived from the Latin 'aquila' (meaning eagle, referring to the hooked shape at the back of the blooms that look like talons). The best growing zones for Columbine vary depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Aquilegia alpina (Alpine Columbine, Breath of God, Blue Alpine Columbine, Alpen-Akelei)
This species is native to the Alps in Europe and produces bright light blue to blue-purple flowers. It grows naturally in rocky understory and sometimes more open areas in its native range. Individual plants reach up to between 6 and 24 inches tall. Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Aquilegia atrata (Dark Columbine, Black Columbine, Granny's Bonnet)
Dark Columbine typically produces flowers in wine-red, dark red, or dark brown. Plants reach up to 2 feet tall when mature, and blooms are present from June through July. This species is native to the Alps and Apennine Mountains in Italy and does well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Aquilegia aurea
This species is native to Bulgaria and North Macedonia where it grows in mountainous regions. Flowers are light green to yellow and bell-shaped. Blooms pop in June and July. Individual plants reach up to between 4 and 39 inches tall when mature and in bloom.

Aquilegia barbaricina (Barbaricina Columbine, Aquilegia di Barbaricina, Sardinian Columbine)
This plant is endemic to the island of Sardinia in Italy where it grows in shrubby wetland areas. Flowers are cream to white in color, and bloom in summertime. A single flowering stem from each plant grows to reach a height of between 1 and 2 feet tall, and is covered in fine hairs. Flower spurs are slightly curved.

Aquilegia barnebyi (Oil Shale Columbine, Barneby's Columbine)
Native to Colorado and Utah, this species was named for Rupert Charles Barneby who first discovered it in Colorado alongside colleague Dwight Dillon Ripley. These wildflowers do well in full sun to part shade, and reach between 12 and 30 inches tall. Flowers are salmon to red with yellow centers. This species was removed from endangered lists in 2021. Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Aquilegia bertolonii (Bertoloni Columbine, Bertoloni's Columbine)
This native of Southern France and Italy does well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 and reaches just a foot tall at maturity. Flowers are blue with white centers and bloom in summertime. Each stem produces between one and four flowers. These plants are wonderful in rock and alpine gardens.

Aquilegia brevistyla (Smallflower Columbine, Short-Styled Columbine)
This wildflower species is native to Alaska and Canada, its range reaching into northern South Dakota. Flowers bloom May through August, and are smaller than other species. Blooms are purple-blue with white centers. It is generally an understory plant but also can grow in more open areas. This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Aquilegia canadensis (Canadian Columbine, Canada Columbine, Eastern Red Columbine, Wild Columbine)
This species is considered a wildflower and is native to woodland areas and rocky slopes in eastern North America. Plants reach between 6 and 35 inches tall, and produce red and yellow flowers in late springtime. Hybrids of this species are bred for use in the garden, and include a dwarf variety 'Little Lantern'. Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Aquilegia chrysantha (Golden Columbine, Golden-Spurred Columbine, Canary Columbine, Southwestern Yellow Columbine)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, and is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and adjacent areas of Mexico. This is one of the showiest species of Columbine, and reaches 3-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide at maturity. Leaves have soft hairs underneath, and upright yellow flowers have slender, hooked spurs (hence the species common name). Cultivar 'Yellow Queen' (pictured) is a great garden ornamental variety.

Aquilegia coerulea (Rocky Mountain Columbine, Colorado Columbine, Colorado Blue Columbine, Blue Columbine)
Best when grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-11 and 14-24. This species is native to the Rockies, and is the state flower of Colorado. Individual plants reach up to 1.5-3 feet tall and 2 feet wide at maturity. Flowers are bicolored white and sky blue and have either straight or spreading spurs. Popularly grown garden varieties include 'Origami' (with a variety of flower colors) and 'Crimson Stars' (with red flowers that have white centers).

Aquilegia desertorum (Arizona Columbine, Desert Columbine, Mogollon Columbine)
This species of Columbine grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b, 3 and 6-24. The species is native to northern Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. Individual plants reach 1.5 feet tall and 15 inches wide, with bright orange to yellow flowers that are arrow-head shaped.

Aquilegia ecalcarata (Semiaquilegia ecalcarata) (False Columbine, Spurless Columbine)
This unique species is endemic to China, and produces drooping flowers on thin stems. Blooms do not have the spurs that are present in most species of the genus. Individual plants reach between 8 and 24 inches tall when mature and in bloom, which occurs from May through June. These plants do well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Aquilegia elegantula (Western Red Columbine, Crimson Columbine, Scarlet Columbine, Comet Columbine)
This species is native to the Four Corners states of the United States, and naturally grows in coniferous forest areas. They can be grown as garden ornamentals in USDA hardiness zones 4-7. Flowers are red-pink and yellow, and their mouths droop downwards.

Aquilegia eximia (Serpentine Columbine, Van Houtte's Columbine, Crimson Columbine)
This California native grows in the moist forests of the coast ranges, and produces yellow and bright orange-red flowers that are quite striking. Plants reach between 8 and 63 inches tall when mature, and have green foliage. Blooms pop from May through October. These flowers grow well in USDA hardiness zones 4-10.

Aquilegia flabellata (Fan Columbine, Dwarf Columbine, Fan-Leaved Columbine)
This native of Japan is a stockier Columbine with two-toned (lilac-blue and white) flowers. Leaves are darker than those of other Columbine species, and overlap. This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-24 and reaches between just 8 and 12 inches tall at maturity. The 'Cameo' series produces dwarf-sized plants with two-toned flowers in shades of white, blue, pink, or rose.

Aquilegia flacescens (Yellow Columbine, Yellow Mountain Columbine)
The most common flower color of this species is light yellow, though they are also seen with pink, raspberry, and white to cream markings. The species is native to the Rocky Mountains, where it grows in meadows, open spaces in woods, and across alpine slopes. This species does well in USDA growing zones 3-8.

Aquilegia formosa (Western Columbine, Crimson Columbine, Red Columbine, Sitka Columbine, Scarlet Columbine)
These Columbine plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-11 and 14-24. It is native to an area that ranges from Alaska down through Northern California, Montana, and Utah. Gets to 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. Yellow flowers have red spurs. Great for woodland and meadow gardens, and should be allowed to set seeds, as they are bird favorites. Subspecies Aquilegia formosa truncata has yellow and orange blossoms that have red spurs.

Aquilegia fragrans (Fragrant Columbine, Sweet-Scented Columbine, Granny's Bonnets)
Native to sub-alpine meadows of the western Himalayas, this plant reaches a mature height of 12-18 inches and produces white and pastel yellow flowers that smell like Honeysuckle. Plants typically reach between 12 and 31 inches tall when in bloom. Best in USDA hardiness zones 5a-9b.

Aquilegia grahamii (Graham's Columbine)
Native to Utah's Uinta Mountains, this species produces nodding flowers in red-purple and yellow. Blooms pop in June and July. It is considered to be a critically imperiled species (at risk of becoming extinct). They grow well in USDA zones 5-8.

Aquilegia grata
This species is native to Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and reaches about 30 inches tall. Stems are branched and have thin hairs. Dark violet to black flowers bloom in late spring and summertime. Foliage is greyish-green. Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Aquilegia x hybrida (Columbine Hybrids)
These species of Columbine grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-10 and 14-24. Most cultivars in this group reach around 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide at maturity when in bloom. Hybrid varieties are outlined below:

'Nora Barlow Mixed'
Reaches 2.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with double flowers in a range of colors.

'Vervaeneana Woodside Variegated Mixed'
Has variegated leaves and varying flower colors.

'Biedermeier'
Low-grower, to 1 foot tall and wide.

'Dragonfly'
1 foot tall and just as wide.

'Spring Magic'
14 inches tall and 12 inches wide, blooms early.

'Music'
Long-spurred flowers to 1.5 feet tall and wide.

'Origami'
16-18 inches tall and has a long blooming period.

'Fairyland'
Upward-facing blooms; gets to 15 inches tall and wide.

Aquilegia laramiensis (Laramie Columbine)
This species is native to Wyoming's Laramie Mountains, and produces green-white to lavender flowers. It naturally occurs on rocky outcroppings or in sandy soils in its native range and prefers to grow in shaded spots. This species does best in USDA hardiness zones 3b-9b and performs well in higher elevations.

Aquilegia longissima (Long-Spur Columbine, Long-Spurred Columbine, Longspur Yellow Columbine)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-11 and 14-24. These plants are native to southwest Texas, southern Arizona, and northern Mexico and were discovered by Asa Gray. Individual plants reach up to 2.5 to 3 feet tall. Flowers are pale yellow with narrow drooping spurs.

Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine, Common Columbine, European Crowfoot)
This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-10 and 14-24. It has naturalized in the eastern United States. Individual plants reach up to 1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide at maturity when in bloom, with nodding blue and violet flowers. Many varieties are available from growers that have different flower forms and varying spur lengths.

Aquilegia nigricans (Bulgarian Columbine, Black Columbine, Dark Columbine)
This interesting, delicate species produces wine-red to dark purple flowers and grows naturally in the mountain ranges of eastern Europe. These plants prefer moist, well-draining soil and can thrive in either sun or shade. Individual plants reach up to 1-3 feet tall when mature and in bloom, and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-10.

Aquilegia nuragica (Nuragica Columbine)
Endemic to the island of Sardinia in Italy, this species is rare, and only grows within a 50-square meter environment. It naturally grows in shrubby, rocky Mediterranean. It is critically endangered and is protected in its native range. Flowers are light mauve-purple to white. To 8-18 inches tall when mature.

Aquilegia ottonis
This native of Greece has naturalized in many areas of Europe, and produces blue-purple, white, cream, or pale blue flowers. It is named after King Otto of Greece. Blooms are present between the months of May through July. Individual plants reach up to 6-8 inches tall.

Aquilegia pubescens (Sierra Columbine, Alpine Columbine, Coville's Columbine)
This wildflower is native to California's Sierra Nevada mountain range and produces large, cream-white flowers. The species grows on rocky slopes in high altitude mountain ranges and reach up to between 6 and 20 inches tall when mature. Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Aquilegia pyrenaica (Pyrenean Columbine, Pyrenees Columbine)
Endemic to the Pyrenees Mountains, this species grows in rocky areas and open grasslands. Flowers are bright blue to lilac in color and bloom between April and June. These plants can reach a height of between 4 and 12 inches tall when mature, and produce blue-green trifoliate leaves. The species performs well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Aquilegia saximontana (Rocky Mountain Columbine, Alpine Dwarf Columbine, Dwarf Blue Columbine, Alpine Columbine)
This species is native to Colorado's stretch of the Rocky Mountains. It has purple flowers and blooms in late summertime. Rocky Mountain Columbine does well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Aquilegia sibirica (Siberian Columbine)
This Siberian-native Columbine species is a hardy perennial plant that does well in cooler climates (USDA hardiness zones 2-8). They reach between 1 and 2 feet tall and have lilac-blue and white flowers that bloom in spring and summertime. Extract from this plant has been shown to have anti-fungal properties.

Aquilegia viridiflora (Green Columbine, Green-Flowered Columbine, Chocolate Soldier Columbine)
This species is native to southern Siberia and northern China, and Japan. It is cultivated in gardens but can be considered a weed. These plants reach between 6 and 20 inches tall, and have dark brown to dark maroon colored flowers. There are a few varieties, including Aquilegia viridiflora atropurpurea (with purple flowers), Aquilegia viridiflora viridiflora (with yellow-green flowers), and cultivar 'Chocolate Soldier' (pictured; with chocolate brown flowers). Best in USDA zones 3-9.

Aquilegia vulgaris (Common Columbine, European Columbine, Granny's Nightcap, Granny's Bonnet, European Crowfoot)
Flowers of this species have hooked spurs and come in purple, pink, white, and blue, blooming in early summertime. Many hybrid species (those in the Aquilegia x hybrida group) are crosses of this species. These plants do well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Caring for Aquilegia

Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Plant Aquilegia in partial shade to full sun. In warmer climates, these flowers appreciate some afternoon shade to protect their delicate leaves from harsh sun rays. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Columbine plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, able to get by for most of the year on rainwater alone with supplemental irrigation during the warmer months of the year. The more sun these flowers are planted in, the more water they will need.

Pruning Aquilegia is relatively straightforward; trim back foliage after flowering to promote fresh growth and to keep the plant looking its best. Remove any dead or damaged foliage throughout the growing season. Deadhead to encourage more blooms. These flowers should be divided every few years to rejuvenate them and ensure that each individual plant has enough soil space for their root system. Dividing is best completed in early spring or fall, and divisions should be replanted in well-prepped soil immediately. For instructions on how to successfully divide Aquilegia plants, see the Propagation section below. Some varieties due to their height and thin flower stems need staking to remain upright, especially when in bloom or in a windier section of the garden. In areas that frost, apply extra mulch around the base of plants in wintertime. These perennial plants typically last for 3-8 years in the garden before needing to be replaced. In cold-weather areas, they are grown as annuals (though there are some species described above that can grow well as perennials even in snowy regions). Most species are prone to self-seeding, which ensures a constant presence in the garden even after original plants have completed their lifespan.

Growing Aquilegia in Containers
Aquilegia plants are typically planted in the ground, but can also do well in containers. Choose a container that is a little bit larger than the original container or root ball, and ensure that it has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow excess water to flow away from the root zone. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite. Water regularly to keep the soil moist; Aquilegia planted in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season and deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms and discourage re-seeding in the garden. Divide plants every few years when they outgrow their container; for instructions on how to successfully divide Aquilegia plants, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Aquilegia can be propagated either from seed or through division. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Aquilegia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid variety. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds by cutting them from the plant as they dry and become browned. Harvest as many as you can, and place them in a paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will split open over time and release the seeds contained inside. Once seeds have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container to work with them. Aquilegia seeds are viable for up to three years if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry space.
Water the seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place seeds in the prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with a spray bottle to avoid dislodging them. Place the tray in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 21-30 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Aquilegia by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.