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 H5. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Alps and N Italy.
About
Aquilegia alpina is a herbaceous perennial that reaches heights of up to 80 cm. It features blue-green foliage and produces nodding flowers that are either bright blue or a combination of blue and white, typically blooming in spring.
About the genus
Aquilegia consists of herbaceous perennials that grow in clumps, characterized by their long-stemmed, three-parted basal leaves. The upright, leafy stems support bell-shaped blooms featuring wide-spreading sepals and petals that possess spurs, all arranged on branched stalks.
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
- H5
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
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Alps, N Italy
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aquilegia alpina
- Cultivation
- Grow in free-draining but moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required, but can be cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed as soon as seed is ripe in late summer, or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and leaf-miners
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews and aquilegia downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Aquilegia alpina?
Grow in free-draining but moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade.
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.
How do I prune Aquilegia alpina?
No pruning required, but can be cut back after flowering.
How big does Aquilegia alpina grow?
Aquilegia alpina reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Aquilegia alpina hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia alpina has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Aquilegia alpina?
Propagate by seed as soon as seed is ripe in late summer, or by division in spring.
Is Aquilegia alpina good for pollinators?
Yes — Aquilegia alpina attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.