Aquilegia (columbine) #2

Description

Aquilegia is a clump-forming perennial with a graceful, airy habit, typically growing 1–3 feet tall with delicate, fern-like foliage. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it produces distinctive, nodding, spurred flowers in a wide array of colors, including lavender, purple, blue, pink, red, yellow, and white, often with contrasting centers or bi-colored petals. Flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators, adding dynamic interest to perennial gardens.

The compound, finely dissected foliage is medium green, providing soft textural contrast in borders and woodland settings. Foliage is deciduous, with slender stems that die back after flowering but often reseed freely. Aquilegia is well suited for woodland gardens, cottage borders, pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas, pairing beautifully with spring bulbs, ferns, and shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Instructions

• Full sun to partial shade; protection from hot afternoon sun improves flower longevity

• Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

• Moderate water; keep evenly moist during flowering

• Remove spent flowers to extend bloom; cut back after flowering to tidy foliage

Key Features

• Nodding, spurred flowers in lavender, purple, blue, pink, red, yellow, and white

• Bloom period in late spring to early summer

• Clump-forming habit with delicate, fern-like foliage

• Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators