Description
Aquilegia alpina | Alpine Columbine
Aquilegia alpina, commonly known as Alpine Columbine, is also known as Mountain Columbine and Alpine Monks Head Lily, is a hardy, herbaceous, short-lived perennial thats easy to grow from seed and will tolerate a large range of soil and sun types. Does great in woodland settings or Alpine gardens. Does well in full sun, but flowers better with some shade. The leaves which are the main attraction the first year resemble those of Meadow Rue or Clover.
The plants will typically bloom during the second year of growth from late spring to early summer. Columbine flower petals are spurred, which is a major characteristic that sets them apart from most other flowers. They will grow in a wide range of soils and even gravel and are drought tolerant and tough as nails.
The purple-blue spurred-flowers have pointy petals and are held high above the foliage, attracting to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees.
Seeds may require cold-stratification before sowing indoors, but usually a few germinate without it. Or one can direct-sow them outdoors in autumn or late winter/spring. Established plants will gladly self sow in soil, gravel, under decks, etc.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Part shade to full sun.
Mature height: 2-3 ft
Mature width: 18 inches
Hardiness zones: 3- 9
