Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
AQUILEGIA alpina
Plant Common Name
Alpine Columbine
General Description
The beautiful, violet-blue flowers of Aquilegia alpina, or alpine columbine, have been cultivated since ancient times. Native to wooded mountain regions of Europe, it forms a low, spreading mound of delicate, lobed, blue-green foliage which somewhat resembles that of a maidenhair fern. Its large, nodding, cobalt-blue flowers feature contrasting, golden centers and rise well above the foliage on tall, wiry, branched stems from mid-spring through early summer.
Aquilegia alpina performs best in dappled sun to partial shade and evenly moist, nutrient-rich soil with good drainage. It will readily cross-pollinate with other columbine and self-sow if allowed to go to seed, which is considered an advantage by some gardeners. However, faded flowers should be removed promptly if new plants are not desired. An ideal choice for woodland plantings, mixed borders and rock gardens, its richly-colored blooms also make excellent cut flowers.
Aquilegia is a genus of about 70 species that exist across northern temperate zones worldwide. Commonly known as columbine, they are beloved for their fanciful, lantern-like flowers, which usually bloom in spring or summer atop slender stems of varying lengths. These hardy perennials typically form clumps of delicate, pale to deep green, lobed leaves which emerge from small, slender, woody rhizomes (underground lateral stems). Columbine species vary widely in size and habit, and may occur in open woodlands, meadows, or alpine areas. Their colorful blooms are attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and many species of butterflies and moths.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Width
9"-12" / 22.9cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Europe
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Blue
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
