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common columbine

common columbine

Aquilegia vulgaris

perennial⛅ part shade💧💧 moderate waterZone 3a – Zone 9b

Common columbine is a charming cottage garden perennial with delicate spurred flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white that bloom in late spring and early summer. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators to the garden.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
1.5–3′ tall × 1–1.5′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 3aZone 9b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 3a to Zone 9b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Herb

Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.

Succession Role

early successionalmid successional

Native Range

European

Function & Care

pollinator nectarywildlife benefitedible

Edible Parts

flower

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, division

Notable Cultivars

McKana Giants produce large hybrid flowers in vibrant mixed colors and reach 2.5–3 feet tall. The Songbird series offers dwarf cultivars (18–24 inches) with named varieties like 'Nora Barlow' (double flowers) and species A. canadensis and A. formosa are preferred by native plant enthusiasts for their refined form and hummingbird attraction.