Columbine , Aquilegia , is a suddenly - be perennial wildflower in the Ranunculaceae , or buttercup syndicate .
It thrives in USDA Hardiness zone 3 to 9 in gay to partially shadow locations and prefers dampish soil of average timber that drains well .
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fugacious spring efflorescence are noteworthy for their nectar - filled goad , delectable hues , and striking bicolor combinations .
A darling ofcottage gardens , there are about 70 species and an extensive regalia of cultivate hybrids from which to prefer .
prime heads range between one and four inch wide , with hybrid cultivar being the largest and aboriginal species the diminished .
In ourguide to produce columbine , we share all you need to know to spring up your own adorable plants .
This article is a roundup of 35 exceptional varieties to take your spring landscape painting to Modern and colourful heights .
Here ’s what we have in store :
35 Columbine Varieties to Love
allow ’s take a look at these mantrap !
1. Barlow Mix
A. vulgarisvar.stellataBarlow Mix is a lighthearted pink , imperial , red , white , and bicolor take on the in darkness scrumptious ‘ Black Barlow , ’ depict below .
The Barlow series features spurless , twofold flush that bob like confetti with their nerve turn up toward tender air .
Barlow Mix
A festival in everyseed packet , these partygoer are the life of the garden company at 24 to 30 inches tall .
Barlow Mix isavailable from Eden Brothersin one - snow leopard and quarter - Sudanese pound packages of seeds .
2. Biedermeier
Aquilegia‘Biedermeier ’ brings more node to the celebration with a mix of white , reds , purpleness , pinks , and bicolor flower in pastel hue that cool and refreshen like sherbet on a summer good afternoon .
‘ Biedermeier ’
At 12 to 18 inches marvelous , they mix and commix affably in mid - story position , flaunting their prospicient , curvaceous spurs like proud peacocks .
‘ Biedermeier ’ embed areavailable from Nature Hills Nurseryin # 1 containers .
3. Black Barlow
A. vulgarisvar.stellata‘Black Barlow ’ is a cultivar in the Barlow series . It has no spurs and faces upwards to show off two full rowing of velvety petals in a shadiness of maroon so colored it verge on black .
‘ pitch-black Barlow ’
Hauntingly tempting , you ’ll want to give this vampire some sun so it does n’t slink imperceptibly into the shade and out of view . At 24 to 30 inches tall , it ’s a statuesque attraction .
‘ smuggled Barlow ’ isavailable via Amazonin package of 50 seeds .
4. Blackcurrant Ice
A. flabellata‘Blackcurrant Ice ’ flits and waver onto the spring scene in a simple skirt of five mauve sepals accented by short spur skirt a center corolla of creamy yellow .
‘ Blackcurrant Ice ’
Like a delicacy butterfly stroke , it dips and nod along garden itinerary at a tiny six to 12 column inch grandiloquent , beckoning hummingbirds to come and play .
‘ Blackcurrant Ice ’ isavailable from Nature Hills Nursery .
5. Blue Dream
Like Little Boy Blue , A. caerulea‘Blue Dream ’ ca n’t waitress to foul up its horn to receive leap .
With five baby blue sepals , short prodding , and a crisp bloodless center corolla , its Modern suit is becoming as it casts a timid center upward .
‘ Blue Dream ’
marvelous for a tike , it ’s certain to be the apple of your eye at a acme of 24 to 32 inches .
‘ Blue Dream ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazonin packages of 1,000 seed .
6. Blue Star
stand at attending , A. caerulea‘Blue Star ’ boasts five sepals in a regal specter of violet bluing , calling out , “ Strike up the lot ! ” White corolla and curt spurs make for smart garb .
‘ Blue Star ’
At summit of 24 to 32 inches , it abut majestically into spring .
‘ Blue Star ’ isavailable from Eden Brothersin one - apothecaries' ounce and quarter - pound software system of seeds .
7. Cameo Mix
Like reveling woodland fairies , A. flabellataCameo series prime bob their pastel blue , pink , and whitened heads , with spurs curled for the occasion . Their dainty sepals ensconce miniature corolla of glimmer white .
At six to eight inches tall , these tiny merrymakers may consecrate you with a pouf hoop before they set out .
8. Chocolate Soldier
UnderstatedA. viridiflora‘Chocolate Soldier , ’ aka green columbine , does n’t rear its head to expose its position .
Instead , it nod as if in slumber , cognize that its unripened sepals and chocolate-brown - violet corolla are not likely to be detected by the passing observer .
At a height of nine to 12 inches , its stature and coloration may remind you ofahellebore , another former - season bloomer .
memorise to develop ‘ Chocolate Soldier ’ in our guide .
9. Clementine Blue
Like a wild cornflower beside a county route , unassumingA. vulgaris‘Clementine Blue ’ is enclothe in to the full double lavender - grim petals that blush to rose at the tip at the mere mention of its charms .
‘ Clementine Blue ’
At a meek 14 to 16 inches tall , this unworried spring wanderer is a pleasing addition to walkways leading home .
‘ Clementine Blue ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazonin packages of 10 seeds .
10. Clementine Red
The fully forked petals ofA. vulgaris‘Clementine Red ’ , are bright pink and unspurred , for a starlike timber reminiscent of a summerstrawflower .
‘ Clementine Red ’
Facing brazenly upwards , they take middle phase .
light atop stem 14 to 16 inch grandiloquent , they command the attention of returning robins , wake woodland creature – and passersby – as they proclaim spring ’s magnificent return .
‘ Clementine Red ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazonin packages of 10 or 20 seeds .
11. Clementine Rose
A. vulgaris‘Clementine Rose ’ wows hearing of her own with unspurred pinko , fully three-fold flower petal for a subtler spring display .
‘ Clementine Rose ’
Also browse from 14 to 16 inches in acme , why not let two collaborate for a two - musical note seam and moulding sense ?
‘ Clementine Rose ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazonin packages of 10 or 20 seeds .
12. Crimson Star
Just when you thought you ’d chosen your ducky , it ’s Christmas in springtime .
A.xhybrida‘Crimson Star ’ is radiant with red sepals , jutting goad , and snowy corollas that bring to judgment star - top tree of the festive season .
‘ Crimson Star ’
And while leap may have take form , these 24- to 32 - inch ruddy and blank wonders smile up at us with a reminder that it ’s always metre to lionize .
‘ Crimson Star ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazonin packages of 1,000 or 2,000 seeds .
13. Crystal Star
Like a pinpoint of light in a black velvet sky , A.xhybrida‘Crystal Star ’ embodies the mystery and wonder of the earth ’s spring rebirth with its single dustup of creamy white sepals , matching centers , and mauve - tinged spur track .
‘ Crystal Star ’
From an elevation of 24 to 32 inches , this lambent marvel captivates all with its unwavering upward regard .
‘ Crystal Star ’ isavailable from Eden Brothersin packet and one - snow leopard package of seed .
14. Dark
Like a full - corporate Zinfandel , dark aquilege , A. atrata , is an Alpine native with wine - colored sepal , curl spurs , and a match corolla for a toothsome addition to the garden table .
At 18 to 24 inches tall , it pairs well with hearty fare – like racy yellow earlytulipsanddaffodils .
15. Dragonfly Mix
Like an undulating tartar in a Chinese New Year parade , A. caerulea‘Dragonfly ’ intermixture brings a effervescent extravaganza .
From pinks and reds to purples , White person , yellows , and bicolors , the finely hone spur bob playfully on faces raised skywards .
‘ snake doctor ’ premix
At a height of 18 to 24 inches , this cacophony of coloration merrily wend its way around the landscape with great aplomb .
‘ Dragonfly ’ Mix isavailable from the Mountain Valley Seed Company via genuine Leaf Marketin packages of 1,000 semen .
16. Dwarf
Precociously purple , A. vulgaris‘Dwarf , ’ aka European columbine , is a richly color - saturated spell de force , from its luxurious tendrils to its sepal and Saint Elmo’s light .
‘ midget ’
Despite its diminutive 10- to 18 - inch profile , it makes an self-assertive statement , especially when in the company of fellow over-embellished fireball , grape hyacinth .
‘ midget ’ isavailable from Eden Brothersin one - ounce fourth part - Sudanese pound , and one - Lebanese pound packages .
17. Earlybird Purple and White
Bright - eyedAquilegiaEarlybird ™ ‘ Purple and White ’ present like a nosegay fresh for gathering . pink - imperial sepals and spurs brightness up white corolla , range upturned face in a lavender glow .
Earlybird ™ ‘ Purple and White ’
At 14 to 20 column inch grandiloquent , it is a delightfully conspicuous invitation to make merry in the joys of the time of year .
‘ Purple and White ’ isavailable from Burpeein computer software containing 20 seeds , or four live plants .
18. Eastern Red
If hybrid are not your style , here ’s a authoritative North American aboriginal specie .
Eastern red orA. canadensis , aka wild columbine , has cherry nodding head comprised of a exclusive words of sepals and short spurs that confine a scandalmongering corolla .
Eastern Red , Native Columbine
At two to three feet tall , it ’s a substantial wintertime send - off .
Eastern red plant areavailable from Nature Hills Nurseryin three - pack of two - inch containers .
Alternatively , you may witness packets of 50 seedsavailable from Earthbeat Seeds .
19. Fragrant
Fragrant columbine , A. fragrans , is a Himalayan species with sepal , short wave spurs , and a corolla cloaked in lily-white and inculcate with lavender , for an ethereal visage .
At 12 to 18 inches marvelous , it ca n’t be a figment of any nurseryman ’s imagination , but the honeysuckle - like perfume is definitely the hooey dream are made of .
20. Golden
prosperous columbine , A. chrysantha , aka golden spur columbine , is a North American native .
With pallid lily-livered sepal , farseeing spurs , and slightly brighter yellow corollas , this wild flower faces upwards like a rare dame organise for flight of stairs .
At a towering 30 to 36 in , it is likely high in a treetop with other birds from the flock , relish a brief respite from a long winter ’s journeying .
21. Green Apples
With a fully double , unspurred flower that is comparable to aclematis , A. vulgarisvar.stellata‘Green Apples ’ has a gently advanced nimbus .
Without the ado of promising hue , it subtly shade from pale green to bloodless , as smoothly as slipping off a silk scarf .
At a pinnacle of 18 to 32 inch , it is both elegant and awe - inspiring , a gentle contrast to bolder tone in law of proximity .
22. Little Lanterns
If you ’d like to plant a aboriginal species like easterly red columbine but do n’t relish the expression of the small flowers on tall stem , A. canadensis‘Little Lanterns ’ declare oneself an alternative .
‘ Little Lanterns ’
With the classic red and scandalmongering , lantern - same peak , and a height of only 10 to 12 inches , this well - proportioned , thick cultivar is designate for a bright hereafter in the garden .
‘ footling Lanterns ’ plants areavailable from Nature Hills Nurseryin # 1 containers .
23. McKana Giant Mix
If you ’re look for a raucous riot of color , A.hybrida‘McKana Giant ’ mixture fits the bill .
Attired fancifully in shades of pink , purple , red , blanched , and xanthous mixed and gibe by Nature ’s paintbrush , its effervescence is communicable .
‘ McKana Giant ’ Mix
At a gilded 24 to 36 inches magniloquent , these blooms are all dressed up and ready for fun .
‘ McKana Giant ’ Mix isavailable from Eden Brothersin packages containing one ounce , a after part - British pound , or one Irish pound of germ .
24. Nora Barlow
A.vulgaris var.stellata‘Nora Barlow ’ take care upwards in expectancy of the hold of passersby .
Adorned for a unveiling in fully double pinkish , unspurred petals with a hint of William Green at the tips , it is a vision of loveliness .
‘ Nora Barlow ’
Like its Barlow series siblings , it ’s tall and shapely at 24 to 30 inch , and a prima donna on the garden runway .
‘ Nora Barlow ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazon .
25. Oriental
The Oriental aquilege , A. oxysepala , is a picturesque garden - habitant with burgundy red sepals , curl goad , and yellow corollas that resemble small nod pagodas .
‘ Oriental ’
At a big 24 to 36 inches marvellous , it wear out its bloom like charms on a treasured bracelet , a souvenir perhaps from a mystical excursion abroad .
‘ Oriental ’ isavailable from Eden Brothersin one - ounce and quarter - pound software of seeds .
26. Pink Petticoat
One coup d’oeil atA. vulgaris‘Pink Petticoat ’ and you ’ll wonder if you should avoid your heart , for surely Little Bo Peep has advert her bloomers out to dry .
The nodding heads consist of unspurred mauve sepals and dense layer of rounded petals that are white at the wind , like a distich of the queer tale shepherdess ’ fine unmentionable .
27. Red Hobbit
Aquilegia‘Red Hobbit ’ is a smaller rendering of 24- to 32 - inch‘Crimson Star , ’ with the same spurred red sepal and bloodless corolla reminiscent of Christmases past .
top off out at a modest 12 to 14 inch , this bright colored cultivar eschews the flourish of the merry time of year , opting instead for a tranquil life among the gnomes and other whimsical friends found in many a well - appointed garden .
28. Rocky Mountain Blue
North American native Rocky Mountain blue , A. coerulea , aka Colorado blue columbine , is an heirloom species with a rich and rugged inheritance of camping out beneath starry skies .
Its blank corolla sit tall in the saddleback atop light imperial sepals and spurs any horse wrangler would be proud to don . The material of legend , this is aboriginal columbine at its skilful .
Rocky Mountain Blue
At elevation of 12 to 24 inches , this scratchy passenger take room to roam .
Rocky Mountain blue isavailable from Botanical Interests . There are approximately 140 source in each 150 - milligram software package .
29. Sunshine
With its pantry sepals , gad , and fully double corolla , Aquilegiaxcaerulea‘Sunshine ’ faces upward , and basks blissfully in golden light .
‘ Sunshine ’
At a pinnacle of 18 to 24 inches , it plays well with fellow yellow , daffodil andforsythia . Enjoy serenity and harmony when you have the fair weather in .
‘ Sunshine ’ isavailable from Nature Hills Nursery .
30. Swan Burgundy and White
It ’s a night at the opera house for dashingAquilegiaSwan ‘ Burgundy and White . ’ look confidently upward and clothe in burgundy velvet with a freshly pressed corolla of white , it is a column of the flora residential district .
Swan‘Burgundy and White ’
At 18 to 24 inches tall , it is reserved yet splendid in its attire and deportment .
you’re able to find large number of four live plantsavailable at Burpee .
31. Swan Pink and Yellow
Also in the Swan series , the pastel shades ofAquilegiaSwan ‘ pinkish and white-livered ’ whisper of hatching chicks and a stealthy Easter bunny filling baskets in the soft dawn light .
An upward - move around face , coral pink sepals plunge ever so lightly in ointment , slender spurs , and coordinating cream centers make for a mellisonant confection .
Swan ‘ pinkish and Yellow ’
Gracing outdoor spaces with its 18- to 24 - in shank , this swan recall no ugly duckling days .
Swan ‘ pinkish and scandalmongering ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazonin package of 15 or 30 seeds .
32. Utah
Is it a wench , insect , or flower ? You ’ll have to be given in for a near look at the Utah columbine , A. scopulorum .
This long - spurred North American wild flower has sepals and spurs of blue , regal , or white , with white corollas .
At two to 12 inch grandiloquent , it rag passersby , entice them to bend on one knee to observe its true identicalness .
33. William Guiness
dress up to the nines , dapperA. vulgaris‘William Guiness ’ is apparel in maroon sepals with trim prodding and a corolla of finest white .
‘ William Guiness ’
At a tallness of 24 to 30 inch marvelous , it is chief and berm above the gang at all times and in all places .
‘ William Guiness ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazonin package of 1,000 ejaculate .
34. Winky Double Red and White
A.vulgarisWinky ‘ Double cherry and White ’ is as wholesome as a cut of apple Proto-Indo European on the front porch on a Sunday good afternoon .
Winky ‘ forked Red & White ’
mystifying crimson sepals with quaintly curled spurs and fully duple blank corolla remind one of a window box full of chic pink , red , and whitegeraniums .
A positioning alongside a piquet fencing is this 14- to 18 - in sweetheart ’s ambition home .
Winky ‘ Double Red & White ’ industrial plant areavailable from Nature Hills Nurseryin # 1 container .
35. Winky Double Rose White
If ever there was a aquilegia perfect for the cottage garden , it’sA. vulgaris‘Double Rose White , ’ another Winky series stunner .
A single row of pinkish sepals is the backcloth for a corolla filled to the brim with ruffled white flower petal that bloom pink .
Winky ‘ Double Rose White ’
At 12 to 14 inches tall , these flouncy little darlings are the perfect understory companion forornamental cherryand plum blossoms above .
‘ Double Rose White ’ isavailable from Outsidepride via Amazonin bundle of 25 or 50 come .
An Ephemeral Feast
We call columbine an ephemeral because it appears briefly in the spring and then vanishes .
With 35 outstanding varieties from which to prefer , it ’s clip to get out yourgarden plannerand plan the spring beds , perimeter , meadows , and woodlands of your dreams !
If you enjoyed this luscious collection of bound - flower columbine , we recommend record theseflower guidesnext :
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About
Nan Schiller
