Columbine is native to most temperate areas of the world including Europe and North America. It is often known as Aquilegia and Rockbell.

Columbines come in a wonderful range of lively colors including white, pink, lavender, peach, blue, yellow, bi-colors. The plant grows toa height of 12 - 24" and a width of 12 - 24".

The flowers range from 1"-3", and come in with every color. They have a rainbow between them have petals with long hollow spurs. They are distinctive for their five-petaled flowers. The sepals and petals are brightly coloured. The foliage is light and delicate. Leaves are basal and cauline and the leaf blade is 1-3×-ternately compound, leaflets lobed or parted, and margins crenate. The flowers are bisexual, radially symmetric; and sepals are not persistent in fruit.

The columbine flower has frequently been linked to birds. Although they are mostly a food plant to insect lifeforms, their general appearance has inspired the images of stately eagles and groups of doves. Its scientific name, aquilegia, is taken from the Latin word for eagle, which is namely due to the showy spurs, which some feel look similar to an eagle’s sharp, pointed talons.

The symbolism of the columbine flower is varied, and often quite confusing. It was once believed that this flower was a symbol for cuckoldry and foolishness, at the same time, however, it was considered a symbol of fidelity and holiness. Today, though, these flowers are given as gifts to represent its more modern meanings of seduction, anxious excitement and a strong will to win.

Flower Availability

Spring is the time to enjoy the beautiful blooms of the Columbine, while summer and autumn brings the deep green, finely-lobed foliage to the eye. Late autumn and winter finds the foliage turning deep purple or maroon to keep interest through the winter as well.

Care and Handling

Easy to maintain Columbine is a ready self-sower so be prepared to thin out some seedlings. Not all will be true to form. Prune foliage back in the early spring before new growth appears although some gardeners prefer to deadhead blossoms and prune foliage back in the fall to prevent self-seeding. Columbines can die off after a few years and aren't the longest lived of perennials so many gardeners allow self-seeding and keep any of the new plants whose flowers they enjoy.