Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000130
11/12/99

Aquilegia x hybrida--Columbine


Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 3 ft Spacing: 15 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Red, yellow, white, blue, pink

Comments: Columbines are short-lived plants with brightly
colored, spurred flowers (Vis. 2). They prefer a cool,
moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. In hot
climates semi-shade is preferred. Cut off the plants when
the foliage shows signs of drying out. Remove the old
flower heads to prevent establishment of self-seeded
volunteers. The flowers can be used in arrangements and are
attractive to bees and hummingbirds. In cold climates, Zone
5 or colder, provide winter protection.

Propagation: The plants may be divided or started from
seed. Starting new plants from seed is preferable to
division. If done, divide in late August to early
September, or in early spring. The seed germinates in 3
to 4 weeks at 70 to 80 degrees.

Cultivars: This list also includes cultivars of A.
vulgaris.
'Biedermeier' - An array of mixed colors on plants 8-
to 10 inches tall (Vis. 1).
'Blue Butterflies' - A dwarf only 6 inches tall
produces purplish-blue flowers.
'Blue Shades' - As the name implies, the flowers are in
shades of blue. Grows to 30 inches.
'Bluebird' - Blue flowers.
'Chocolate Soldier' - Dark brown flowers on plants 18
inches tall.
'Crimson Star' - Crimson and white flowers on an 18
inch plant.
'Double Pleat' - Blue and white, double flowers.
'Dove' - White flower.
'Dragonfly Hybrids' - 18 inch tall plants with a wide
range of flower colors.
'Dwarf-Fairyland Mixed' - These 15-inch plants produce
flowers in a variety of colors.
'Goldfinch' - Yellow flowers.
'Kristal' - Pure white flowers with long spurs.
x 'Leprechaun Gold' - The dark purple flowers are
combined with green and gold foliage.
'Magpie' - The flowers are white and extremely dark
purple.
'McKana Hybrids' - Large flowers in many colors on
plants 30 inches tall.
'Melton Rapids' - Double, blue flowers.
'Music' - The full range of flower colors is displayed
on plants about 18 inches tall.
'Nora Barlow' - A double flowering type with flowers a
combination of red, pink and green. Two feet tall.
'Raspberry Tart' - Double, red flowers, 18 inches tall.
'Red Star' - Red and creamy white flowers.
'Robin' - Pink and white flowers.
'Rose Queen' - Pale pink and white flowers.
'Ruby Port' - A double flowered cultivar with dark,
maroon-red flowers.
'Snow Queen' - White flowers on a 30-inch plant.
'Sunlight White' - Double, white flowers on plants 3
feet tall.
'Woodside Variegated Mixed' - The foliage is yellow or
marked with yellow. The flowers are red, pink, blue
and white.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, White
Flower Farm 1999, Lake County Nursery 1999, Bailey
Nurseries 1999, Monrovia Nursery Company 1997, Ray
Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Studebaker Nurseries 1998, Weston
Nurseries 1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999, Wayside Gardens
1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999, Midwest Groundcovers 1999,
Willoway Nurseries 1999.


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