Columbine
Aquilegia vulgaris
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Pl. E36A — Aquilegia vulgaris
Aquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgarisAquilegia vulgaris
IOverview
Overview
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist, light to medium soils with a pH of 7-7.5. Native to regions including Albania, Austria, and parts of Eastern Europe, it has spread to many European countries such as Belgium, France, and Italy. Known for its ornamental value, this plant also offers edible benefits, with its flowers being the part used in culinary applications. One distinctive feature is its spurred petals that resemble a bird's claw, earning it the name "columbine," which means dove or pigeon. Another notable characteristic is its light requirement, thriving best in areas with partial shade to full sun.
Quick answers
What is Columbine?
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist, light to medium soils with a pH of 7-7.5. Native to regions including Albania, Austria, and parts of Eastern Europe, it has spread to many European countries such as Belgium, France, and Italy.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 7 to 7.5 and prefers light (sandy) or medium soil types. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 3 to 9 and can grow up to 1 meter tall as a perennial forb/herb. For optimal growth, it requires full sun to partial shade. Columbine can be propagated by division or seed sowing. Harvest its edible flowers for culinary use.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Columbine for the first time
8steps
Start with easy care and enjoy the colorful blooms of Columbine.
- 1
What you'll need
Columbine seeds or young plants, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with partial shade and well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring, covering them lightly. Alternatively, plant young seedlings in the garden after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, especially in the first year. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems after flowering to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to deadhead.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Pest controlFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
25 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
25 native · 5 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 25 native· 5 introduced
Europe20 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
introduced (1)Ukraine
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Baltic States
introduced:Labrador, New Zealand North, New York, New Zealand South
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e36a8d1f-8c2e-4feb-991b-cc3b101afb76
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