Overview
Aquilegia scopulorum is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aquilegia scopulorum 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.
About
Aquilegia scopulorum, also known as rock columbine or Utah columbine, is a species of plant in the buttercup family from Nevada and Utah in the western United States. In the wild it grows across North America, Nevada and Utah. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for cottage gardens, informal spaces, wildlife gardens and cut flowers. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aquilegia scopulorum
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
- 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 scopulorum 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 scopulorum
- 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 scopulorum?
Aquilegia scopulorum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aquilegia scopulorum need?
Aquilegia scopulorum 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 scopulorum hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia scopulorum 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 scopulorum?
Seed, Division.
More in the Aquilegia genus
- Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow'Columbine
- Aquilegia 'Kristall'Columbine
- Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar'Fan Columbine
- Aquilegia nigrescensColumbines
