columbine
Aquilegia vulgaris
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size1.5 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and low maintenance beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. It blooms in spring and again in summer. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the flowers. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first.
Pairs well with Hardy geranium, Meadow rue, and Roma greater masterwort.
Native range
Europe, Corse, NW. Balkan Pen., and Sicilia.