Aquilegia alpina (alpine columbine) — Clump forming

Overview

Aquilegia alpina is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Aquilegia alpina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage gardens, informal spaces, wildlife gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland.

About

Aquilegia alpina, often called the alpine columbine or breath of God, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to the western and central Alps. Though rare in its Swiss, Austrian, and Italian range, it is commonly found in the French Maritime Alps. A. alpina is appreciated for its light blue to blue-purple flowers. The species has been in cultivation for several centuries, but plants sold as A. alpina are often hybrids with other Aquilegia species or different columbine species entirely. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aquilegia alpina

About the genus

Aquilegia, commonly known as columbines, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae (buttercups). The genus includes between 70 and 400 taxa with natural ranges across the Northern Hemisphere. Natural and introduced populations of Aquilegia exist on all continents but Antarctica.

Wikipedia contributors, "Aquilegia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aquilegia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aquilegia

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Aquilegia alpina size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Cottage gardens, Informal spaces, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers
Native to: Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aquilegia alpina

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; mulch in winter to protect roots
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to tidy the plant
Propagation: Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn
Pest resistance: Aphids
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Aquilegia downy mildew

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Aquilegia alpina?

Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; mulch in winter to protect roots.

Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia alpina?

Aquilegia alpina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Aquilegia alpina need?

Aquilegia alpina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.