Aquilegia caerulea

Colorado Blue Columbine

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Common Name:

Colorado Blue Columbine

Plant Type:

Perennial

Flower color:

White

Foliage color:

Green

Sun (From 0 to 5):

3

Water (From 0 to 5):

2

Maximum temperature:

35°C

Minimum temperature:

7°C

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) - Description

Aquilegia caerulea is a species of Aquilegia flower native to the Rocky Mountains from Montana south to New Mexico and west to Idaho and Arizona. Its common name is Colorado Blue Columbine; sometimes it is called "Rocky Mountain Columbine", but this properly refers to Aquilegia saximontana. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 20–60 cm tall.

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) - Blooming

Columbines flower in Spring and early Summer, generally within May and June.

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) - Growth

Columbine are low maintenance plants.

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) - Planting

Plant seeds in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 5.8. Radicles should germinate in 2-3 days. Often times with Aquilegia, the flowers are left to fruit and produce seeds to allow for self-seeding.

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) - Pest

Leaf miners can cause leaf damage. Over-watering can cause root rot and crown rot.

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) - Interesting facts

Aquilegia is a large genus with many species and varieties. The flowers are known for their nectar-bearing spurs although some species are spurless. All species attract hummingbirds. The species A. caerulea is the state flower of Colorado. The roots and shoots of Columbine are highly toxic, but Native Americans did garnish their food with very small amounts of it as a flavor enhancer and to treat ulcers. It said to taste sweet.

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) - Soil and irrigation

Columbines are not fussy with soil type just as long as there is adequate drainage. The soil should be kept moist, but not totally saturated with water.