Columbine (Aquilegia)

Common columbine, Aquilegia vulgaris, is a clump-forming perennial with divided leaves and distinctive spurred flowers. The wild species is typically blue, while long-cultivated garden forms occur in purple, mauve, pink, and white; seedlings may vary, so a named color should not be assumed for this species-level plant. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. The species suits cottage borders, wildlife plantings, and informal gardens. Mature size varies across forms and growing conditions; the current catalog range is within the RHS broad species profile. Kew accepts the scientific name and records the species as native to Europe. ## Seasonal interest Columbines generally flower in late spring to early summer, with nectar-bearing blooms that attract pollinators. Their airy stems pair well with plants that take over later in the season. See the [RHS species profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/100859/aquilegia-vulgaris/details), [RHS growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/aquilegia/growing-guide), and [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:306409-2/general-information). ## Maintenance Deadhead to reduce self-sowing, or allow seed to mature where naturalizing is welcome; seedlings may not match the parent. Cut back after flowering to refresh foliage. Aquilegia are often short-lived, but self-sowing can renew a planting.