Rocky Mountain Columbine
Aquilegia caerulea
ak-wih-LEE-juh ser-OO-lee-uh
Perennials: Wildflower
Zone
3: -40° to -30°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
Treasured for its big blue and white flowers. A must for mountain gardeners, this plant is at its best in cool, higher altitude areas of the West.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
Blue
Blooming Time
Late Spring - Early Summer
Habit
Mounding
Height
12–18 in
Spread
12–18 in
Form
Star
Characteristics
Type
Native Selection
Safety
Poisonous
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Drought Tolerant
Attracts
Attracts Hummingbirds; Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators; Attracts Butterflies
Uses/Placement
Woodland
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun - Full Shade
Soil Texture
Loamy
Soil Drainage
Moderately well-drained
Soil Moisture
Average to Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
PH Correction
Low pH may cause nutrient toxicity
Soil Amendment(s)
Organic Matter Recommended
Fertilizer
Moderate Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Early Spring
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Moderate
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring or Fall Division