Aquilegia coerulea
Common Name(s):
Colorado columbine
Rocky mountain columbine
Synonym:
Aquilegia caerulea
Blue columbine
Flower:
Blue
Blooms :
Apr
to:
Jul
Pendant, blue and white flowers 2" across with petals forming a backward facing spur
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Basal leves in a rosette delicate fern-like, deeply cut, stem leaves ternately compound with lobed leaflets
Fall Color?
NO
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Native to Rocky Mountain states
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
1-2'
Spread:
1-2'
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Can be found in a wide variety of habitats within its native range (high mountainous regions of western US from MT south to NM west to ID, AZ, UT and NV
Soil:
Average, medium moisture, well-drained. Rich moist soils in part shade are preferred.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Does not require but can top dress with 1" layer of organic compost in early spring
Mulch:
Compost, shredded bark
Thrives in part shade,, average to rich soil, amend with compost in spring, water consistently
Long Term:
Winter:
Cut back foliage after first hard frost kills leaves if not done in fall, discard leaves, ensure good drainage, stop watering, apply light mulch, cover base with evergreen boughs or straw
Spring:
Provide consistent misture, fertilize lightly, part shade, mulch, deadhead after flowering
Summer:
Provide afternoon shade from sun, consistent moisture, deadhead if not done in spring
Fall:
Cut to ground when foliage declines
General Care Comments:
Do not let soil completely dry out
Common Problems
Short lived
Diseases:
No serious diseases
Insects:
Columbine leafminers, sawfly larvae
Environmental Problems:
Dislikes poorly drained soils
Pests:
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