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(Aquilegia alpina)
Alpine Columbine (Aquilegia alpina)
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H. Zell
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
H. Zell
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: H. Zell | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Llez | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Aquilegia_alpina_001.JPG | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aquilegia alpina, commonly known as Alpine Columbine, is a perennial herb native to the mountainous regions of the European Alps, particularly favoring calcareous soils in subalpine and alpine meadows, rocky sites, and woodlands. It typically grows to a height of 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) and spreads 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Alpine Columbine has a distinctive appearance with its biternate leaves and nodding, bell-shaped, vibrant blue flowers with a white corolla and long, distinctive spurs that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are particularly showy and are known to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Alpine Columbine is valued for its striking blue flowers and is often used in rock gardens, alpine collections, and as a border plant in cooler climates. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It prefers well-drained, moist soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it is not prone to serious pests or diseases, powdery mildew and leaf miners can occasionally be problematic. Alpine Columbine can self-seed prolifically under optimal conditions, which can be both a benefit for naturalizing areas and a concern for gardeners who wish to prevent spreading.CC BY-SA 4.0
Alpine Columbine is valued for its striking blue flowers and is often used in rock gardens, alpine collections, and as a border plant in cooler climates. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It prefers well-drained, moist soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it is not prone to serious pests or diseases, powdery mildew and leaf miners can occasionally be problematic. Alpine Columbine can self-seed prolifically under optimal conditions, which can be both a benefit for naturalizing areas and a concern for gardeners who wish to prevent spreading.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.75-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Blue
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to subalpine and alpine meadows, rocky sites, and woodlands in the European Alps
Other Names
Common Names: Alpine Columbine , Blue Alpine Columbine , Alpen-Akelei
Scientific Names: Aquilegia alpina , Aquilegia alpina f. gracilis , Aquilegia alpina f. sternbergii , Aquilegia alpina subsp. sternbergii , Aquilegia alpina var. minor , Aquilegia alpina var. sternbergii , Aquilegia montana , Aquilegia reuteriana , Aquilegia reuteriana , Aquilegia sternbergii
GBIF Accepted Name: