More Information
| Botanical Name |
Aquilegia sp. |
| Seeds Per Pack |
50 |
| Life Cycle |
Perennial |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
30 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
3 Months |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
Surface Sow; press seeds gently into the soil to make good contact, but do not cover with any additional soil; these seeds require light to germinate |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past, Outdoors in early spring, a month before the last spring frost, Early Fall |
| Growing Height |
18-24 in. (45-60 cm) |
| Plant Spacing |
12-15 in. (30-38 cm) |
| Hardiness |
USDA Zone 3a: to -35F, USDA Zone 3b: to -30F, USDA Zone 4a: to -25F, USDA Zone 4b: to -20F, USDA Zone 5a: to -15F, USDA Zone 5b: to -10F, USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F, USDA Zone 8a: to 15F, USDA Zone 8b: to 20F, USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F |
| Sun Exposure |
Sun to Partial Shade, Light Shade |
| Danger |
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested, Seed is poisonous if ingested |
| Bloom Time |
Late Spring/Early Summer, Mid-Spring |
| Foliage |
Herbaceous |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season, This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds |
| Soil pH Requirements |
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
| Propagation Methods |
Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked, From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; stratify if sowing indoors, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds |
These columbines bloom in a variety of colors, including shades of dark purple, light purple, red, yellow, and pink. The unique-looking flowers have spurs and their centers look like honeycombs. Columbines attract hummingbirds and can be used in cut-flower arrangements as well. Being drought-tolerant once established, they are perfect for rock or woodland gardens in light shade. Columbine is the state flower of Colorado.
