Aquilegia is a hardy perennial with flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Columbine blooms in a wide range of colors, heights and forms.
Start columbine seeds indoors in late winter. Barely cover the seeds with soil, then refrigerate for 3 weeks. Full sun to part shade. Spacing 12".
Aquilegia alpina is a lovely columbine species with deep violet-blue flowers. It is native to Europe, especially the Swiss Alps.
Aquilegia alpina is naturally compact, making it a good choice for rock gardens , the front of the border, or along the edge of a woodland path. It's very hardy, and it self sows where it's happy. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia caerulea blooms in late spring to early summer with large, bicolor flowers of blue and white.
Aquilegia caerulea is native to the Rocky Mountians. The beautiful, long-spurred flowers attract hummingbirds. Also known as Colorado Blue Columbine. Hardy perennial in zones 3-9. Deer resistant .
Aquilegia 'McKana Giants' is a colorful mixture of large, long-spurred flowers in a wide range of colors including pink, white, blue, purple, yellow and scarlet. The colorful, nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds. Great for cutting .
Columbine 'McKana Giants Mixed' is an All-America Selections winner. It is one of the most vigorous and popular varieties on the market. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia caerulea 'Crystal Star' has pure white, long-spurred flowers that face upward. It is an elegant columbine that goes well with practically everything in the garden. It performs well in both sun and shade.
Aquilegia caerulea 'Crystal Star' has long stems that are nice for cutting. Also known as Aquilegia x hybrida 'White Star' and 'Kristall'. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns' is a dwarf selection of Eastern columbine. The glowing red and yellow flowers appear for many weeks in May and June.
Aquilegia 'Little Lanterns' does well in sun or shade. Try this adorable little plant in the rock garden or at the edge of the border. Nice in containers . It self sows moderately. Hardy in zones 3-9.
This selection of Aquilegia chrysantha has the longest spurs I've ever seen. The bushy plants bloom in early summer with yellow flowers that have a light honeysuckle fragrance .
Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-filled spurs of Aquilegia chrysantha. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia atrata is a fascinating species with dark purple-black flowers that bloom from May to June. The yellow stamens provide contrast.
Dark Columbine is native to the Alps. It can be grown in containers, the rock garden, or near the front of the border. It's especially nice when paired with pale pink or white flowers for contrast. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Aquilegia flavescens is a lovely species with nodding yellow flowers sometimes tinged with pink. It blooms from May to June.
Aquilegia flavescens is native to the Rocky Mountains. It's a good choice for rock gardens or the front of the border. This hardy perennial is perfect for naturalizing in cold climates. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia formosa is a lovely species, native to Colorado. The glowing red flowers with yellow centers bloom for several weeks in summer. The long bloom season and bright red color make it a good hummingbird flower.
Aquilegia formosa is tall, yet informal, with a graceful, spreading habit. It's the perfect columbine for a woodland garden. Shade tolerant . Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia olympica is a rare and beautiful species from West Asia. It has large, bright blue flowers with white corollas.
Aquilegia olympica is a wonderful columbine for rock gardens, borders and woodlands. Try it with other spring-blooming perennials like Alyssum saxatile , Allium 'Purple Sensation' and Iberis gibraltarica . Hardy in zones 4-9.
Aquilegia oxysepala has dark maroon flowers with yellow corollas. It's a tall species that looks nice in the border or woodland.
Aquilegia oxysepala's long-stemmed floweres are good for cutting. Also known as Chinese Columbine. It is native to Japan, Manchuria and East Siberia. It's an endangered species in some areas. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Black Barlow' has fully double, spurless, purple-black flowers on tall stems. It makes a terrific cut flower, as you can imagine.
Columbine 'Black Barlow' looks lovely with many other perennials in the border or the shade garden. Also known as Granny's Bonnet and Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata plena 'Black Barlow'. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Nora Barlow' has deep pink flowers with lime-green edges. The fully double, spurless flowers bloom on tall stems. Great for cutting.
Columbine 'Nora Barlow' is an heirloom flower from 17th century England. It makes a nice addition to cottage gardens. Also known as Granny's Bonnet and Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata plena 'Nora Barlow'. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Magpie' has purplish-black flowers with white corollas. It's an old-fashioned variety that goes well with cool color schemes.
Columbine 'Magpie' is perfect for cottage gardens where it can self sow and mingle with other plants. It's a delight to encounter it during walks around the garden. Also known as Columbine 'William Guiness'. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Ruby Port' is an heirloom columbine with dark ruby-red, double flowers with short spurs. This is the first columbine I ever grew :)
Columbine 'Ruby Port' looks especially stunning next to the silver-green foliage of Lychnis coronaria or Digitalis 'Silver Fox' . Also known as Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata plena 'Ruby Port'. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Dorothy Rose' has fully double, rose-pink and white flowers that are reminiscent of a ballerina's dress.
Columbine 'Dorothy Rose' is a relatively new variety that was introduced at Chelsea Garden in 1999. The plants are vigorous, and they self-sow freely. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Aquilegia eximia is a very rare and unique columbine. The large plants produce crown-shaped flowers that are scarlet-orange with a yellow edge.
Aquilegia eximia blooms later than other species, which saves you the trouble of having to isolate it in order to avoid cross-pollination. Also known as Sticky Columbine and Van Houtte's Columbine. Hardy in zones 4-10.
Aquilegia sibirica has unusually large flowers for the size of the plant. The brilliant blue flowers have white corollas and hooked spurs.
Siberian Columbine makes a lovely addition to the rock garden or containers. It blooms from May to June. This species is exceptionally hardy, and it self sows nicely. Hardy in zones 2-8.