Columbine flowers (Aquilegia) are spring-blooming plants loved by both hummingbirds and gardeners. Learn how to grow them with these helpful tips. Aquilegia is a genus of herbaceous, perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae (buttercups).

Understanding the Context

The Aquilegia genus, known commonly as columbines, is part of the Ranunculaceae family. With about 60-70 species, columbines are cherished for their distinctive, spurred flowers and attractive foliage. Columbine (Aquilegia), with its multi-colored petals, blooms from spring through early summer. Though this native perennial appears delicate, it’s among the hardiest of native plants and is deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly.

Key Insights

Find out how to grow aquilegia, including choosing, watering, pruning, and propagating. Aquilegia, commonly known as columbine, is a genus of approximately 60-70 species of perennial plants in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. These flowering plants are native to meadows and woodlands across the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in temperate climates. The columbine plant (Aquilegia spp.) is the ideal perennial for your flower beds. The tall stems feature delicate flowers in an incredible range of colors and shapes across nearly 70 species.

Final Thoughts

Learn how to grow Columbine, also known as Aquilegia, and add this sweet cottage plant to your garden. Columbine is a hardy native perennial that is easy to grow from seed or division. This cottage garden flower readily self seeds and cross pollinates, producing hybrid plants and volunteers.