Aquilegia alpina (Alpine Columbine)

Alpine Columbine is a compact species with charming, bright violet-blue, bonnet-shaped, nodding flowers (2-3 in. wide; 5-7 cm), which rise elegantly on slender stems above a lovely fern-like, blue-green foliage

Native to Europe's high meadows and mountain slopes of the Alps, Aquilegia Alpina, commonly known as Alpine Columbine, is a compact species with charming, bright violet-blue, bonnet-shaped, nodding flowers (2-3 in. wide; 5-7 cm), which rise elegantly on slender stems above a lovely fern-like, blue-green foliage. Blooming for 4-6 weeks in late spring to early summer, this perennial might re-bloom in the fall. It is perfect for adding color to the shade garden!

  • Grows in a bushy, upright clump, up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm). This perennial is generally short-lived but will self-seed prolifically to form large colonies in satisfactory growing conditions.
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade, in averagemedium moisturewell-drained soils. Seriously dislikes poorly drained soils! Richmoist soils in part shade are preferred. Do not let the soil dry out.
  • Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, but is ignored by rabbits and deer!
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to bedsborderscottage gardensshade gardens or naturalized areas.
  • Susceptible to leaf miner.
  • May be grown from seed sown directly in the garden in spring (after danger of frost has passed).
  • Remove faded flowering stems to promote additional bloom. Cut to the ground when the foliage declines (around midsummer).
  • Contact with the sap may irritate the skin

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 7

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aquilegia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow