The Aquilegia Guide

Aquilegia is a genus in the Ranunculaceae family, comprising over 70 species and numerous hybrids. Native to temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, Columbine is known for its distinctive spurred flowers, which come in shades of blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, and white.

Popular cultivars include Aquilegia vulgaris 'Black Barlow', which features deep purple, nearly black double blooms; Aquilegia caerulea 'Kirigami Light Blue & White', with its striking two-tone flowers. Some varieties, such as Aquilegia 'Biedermeier', offer a mix of colors within a single planting, creating a vibrant display.

Aquilegia is valued for its ability to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. These plants are also deer-resistant and can naturalize over time, spreading gently to form charming drifts of color in spring and early summer.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Most Aquilegia varieties thrive in Zones 3-9, offering excellent cold tolerance.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich, and slightly moist soil. Amending with organic matter improves soil quality and plant health.
• Sunlight: Grows best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Too much direct sunlight in hot regions may cause stress.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. Established plants can tolerate some drought.
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and prevent fungal issues.
• Planting Time: Seeds - Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly in the garden in spring or early fall. Transplants - Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild to help plants establish before extreme heat or cold.

To plant Aquilegia from seed, scatter them lightly over the soil surface and press them down gently, as they require light for germination. Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge. For best results, cold stratify seeds for 3-4 weeks before planting to improve germination rates.

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture during the growing season, but allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth and flowering.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering period and reduce self-seeding. Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to refresh growth.
• Pests & Diseases: Generally low-maintenance but may attract aphids or be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Ensure good airflow and remove affected leaves as needed.
• Dividing: Not necessary for most varieties, but overcrowded clumps can be divided in early spring or fall.

Aquilegia’s delicate flowers and airy foliage make it a stunning addition to a variety of garden settings:

• Pollinator Gardens: Hummingbirds and bees are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, making Aquilegia a great choice for wildlife-friendly plantings.
• Cottage Gardens: Perfect for naturalistic, informal gardens, where its graceful blooms add charm and movement.
• Woodland Gardens: Thrives in dappled shade under trees and alongside other shade-loving perennials.
• Borders & Pathways: Compact varieties like Aquilegia 'Winky Rose-Rose' work well along garden edges.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Long-lasting blooms make excellent additions to floral arrangements.

• When to plant Aquilegia seeds? Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly in the garden in early spring or fall.
• Are Aquilegia deer resistant? Yes, Aquilegia is deer-resistant due to its mildly toxic foliage, making it a great choice for gardens prone to deer browsing.
• Are Aquilegia perennials? Yes, Aquilegia is a hardy perennial that returns year after year.
• Are Columbine and Aquilegia the same thing? Yes, Columbine is the common name for plants in the Aquilegia genus.
• Can I sow Aquilegia seeds in September? Yes, fall sowing allows seeds to experience natural stratification, improving germination in spring.
• Do Aquilegia flower the first year? If started indoors early enough, some Aquilegia plants may bloom in their first year, but most will flower in their second year.