Aquilegia alpina aka Alpine Columbine

Aquilegia alpina is a perennial known as alpine columbine. Another common name is breath of God. It belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Its native range covers the Alps and northern Italy. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The RHS also lists Aquilegia montana as a synonym.

This leafy plant forms clumps and has an upright shape. Its blue-green leaves fall away for winter. The RHS describes plants reaching about 2.6 feet [0.8 metres]. Its wider garden height range is 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metres]. The listed spread is 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. These sizes help guide spacing within a mixed flower bed.

The flowers hang down and bring blue to spring plantings. They can be bright blue or a mix of blue and white. The RHS places flowering in spring. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a more precise season of May to June. Its plant profile also records interest for birds and butterflies. This makes the species a choice for wildlife gardens. Both sources list uses in flower beds and borders. Chicago also includes groundcover among its landscape uses.

Grow alpine columbine in sun or partial shade. Give it soil that holds moisture but drains well. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline conditions. Sites can face any direction and may be exposed or sheltered. Chicago lists moderate watering needs and USDA zones 3–8. The RHS gives a UK hardiness rating of H5. Its suggested settings include courtyards, cottage gardens, and informal beds. It also suits planting beneath roses and shrubs. The flowers can be cut for indoor use.

Routine pruning is not needed, though plants can be cut back after bloom. Sow seed when it ripens in late summer. Spring division offers another way to raise new plants. Watch for aphids and leaf-miners on the foliage. Powdery mildew and aquilegia downy mildew can also affect plants. The supplied sources give no species-level guidance on eating this plant. They also provide no species-level statement about its toxicity.