Blue Columbine

Aquilegia caerulea

Ranunculaceae

• Sun-Part Shade
• Size: 12"-30" tall x 18"-18" wide
• Drought Tolerant: No
• Evergreen: No
• Flower Color: Blue and white (April-July)
• Wildlife Value: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, hawk moths

Blue columbine, the state flower of Colorado, is a bushy, clump-forming perennial native to the Rocky Mountains at elevations of 6,000-12,000 feet. Growing from a taproot, it thrives in moist, well-drained soils enriched with organic matter. Best suited to cooler climates with consistent moisture, it prefers partial shade in warmer locations but tolerates full sun in cool, mountain gardens.

The delicate, fern-like, blue-green foliage emerges in early spring, forming attractive mounds below the flower stems. Large, upward-facing bicolored flowers feature pale to sky-blue sepals and white petals with distinctive backward-extending blue spurs up to 2 inches long. Bushy yellow stamens add a third color dimension. Blooms appear from late spring to early summer for 4-6 weeks. Foliage typically declines by midsummer.

This beloved wildflower provides valuable nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and hawk moths, which are specially adapted to its long nectar spurs. It spreads slowly from seed to form scattered colonies. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Short-lived, typically lasting only 2-3 years, but will self-seed to maintain colonies.

Ideal for cottage gardens, rock gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized woodland edges. Makes an excellent addition to hummingbird gardens or native plant collections. Works beautifully combined with peonies, irises, alliums, and meadow rue. Also suitable for containers and provides good cut flowers lasting up to 2 weeks. Plant in locations protected from hot afternoon sun. Space 12-18 inches apart. Cut foliage to ground after it declines in midsummer. Note: Will hybridize with other columbine species if grown nearby.