Overview
Aquilegia is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aquilegia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6, H7. Suggested uses include cottage gardens, informal spaces, wildlife gardens and cut flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aquilegia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6, H7
Plant details
Aquilegia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage gardens, Informal spaces, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aquilegia
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Caterpillars, Leaf miners, Aquilegia gall midge, Aquilegia sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Aquilegia downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia?
Aquilegia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aquilegia need?
Aquilegia grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Aquilegia hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Aquilegia?
Seed, Division.
More in the Aquilegia genus
- Aquilegia alpinaalpine columbine
- Aquilegia canadensis
- Aquilegia flabellata 'Cameo Pink' (Cameo Series)
- Aquilegia gratamauve-coloured columbine
- Aquilegia laramiensisLaramie columbine
- Aquilegia moorcroftiana
- Aquilegia nigrescensColumbines
- Aquilegia ottonis subsp. amaliae
