Aquilegia vulgaris aka Columbine
Taxonomy ID: 7638
Aquilegia vulgaris, commonly known as European columbine or common colum, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe. It grows up to 1.2 m tall, with branched, thinly hairy stems. The leaves are biternate, with three groups of three leaflets. This species produces beautiful flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, which are pendent or horizontal with strongly hooked spurs. The plant blooms in early summer. Aquilegia vulgaris is also referred to as granny's nightcap and granny's bonnet.
These short-lived, compact perennials have pale blue-green divided leaves and reach a height of 40cm. Their upward-facing, spurless flowers are double and pompom-like, with narrow, light rose pink petals. They bloom in late spring and early summer.
Although native to Europe, Aquilegia vulgaris has escaped gardens and naturalized in certain parts of North America. It is a bushy, clump-forming perennial with thin, branching, leafy stems that form a mound. The spring bloom of this species showcases blue to violet flowers with spreading sepals and short-hooked spurs. The basal leaves are biternate, medium green, and glabrous above, while the upper leaves are divided into lobed leaflets, usually three-lobed at the tips. There are various cultivars available, offering single or double flowers, spurless or short-spurred, and a range of colors from blue to violet, white, pink, and even red.
Common names
Columbine, Granny's Bonnet, CulverwortMore information about Columbine
How difficult is it to take care of Columbine
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Columbine due to its easy-going nature.
What is the region of origin of Columbine
Columbine’s native range is Central and southern Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and Temperate China.
What are the water needs for Columbine
Columbine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Columbine
Columbine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Columbine
To ensure optimal growth, the Columbine prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Columbine
The Columbine should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Columbine toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
What seasonal care does Columbine need?
During the wintertime, it's common for Columbine to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Aquilegia Genus

Aquilegia coerulea Rocky Mountain Columbine
Aquilegia buergeriana

Aquilegia Columbine

Aquilegia alpina Alpine Columbine

Aquilegia formosa Western Columbine

Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine

Aquilegia viridiflora Aquilegia Viridiflora
Aquilegia karelinii

Aquilegia atrata Schwarze Akelei
