Overview
Aquilegia vulgaris is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Aquilegia, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aquilegia vulgaris 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 vulgaris is a species of perennial flowering plant of the genus Aquilegia (columbine) in the family Ranunculaceae. Commonly called the common columbine, European crowfoot, and granny's bonnet, it presently possesses the most expansive range and greatest morphological variability in its genus.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aquilegia vulgaris
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, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6, H7
Plant details
Aquilegia vulgaris size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage gardens, Informal spaces, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aquilegia vulgaris
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Aquilegia downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aquilegia vulgaris?
Aquilegia vulgaris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aquilegia vulgaris need?
Aquilegia vulgaris 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 vulgaris hardy in the UK?
Aquilegia vulgaris 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 vulgaris?
Seed sown in spring, late summer or early autumn.
More in the Aquilegia genus
- Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow'Columbine
- Aquilegia 'Kristall'Columbine
- Aquilegia flabellata 'Ministar'Fan Columbine
- Aquilegia nigrescensColumbines
